Starting in the 16th century, canes and walking sticks became extremely popular, first among royalty and nobility, and by the 19th and 20th centuries having worked their way down to the middle classes as a symbol of status. Being most popular among the upper echelons of society, popular motifs for canes often featured prized and valuable horses or hunting dogs, such as this example. The slightly "L" shaped, antique staghorn handle is masterfully relief carved in the shape of a snarling hound's head with glass eyes. The handle is joined to the shaft with a wide silver band with floral motifs and two small hallmarks (one for sterling). The varnished hardwood shaft is smooth and is tipped with antique ivory. It measures 36 3/8 inches overall.

Very good, the grip shows an attractively aged tone overall with a few scattered spots of filler/repairs. The silver shows an attractive lightly aged patina. The shaft is also very good with a few scattered light handling marks throughout.