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 ivory 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 stylized as the hounds collar which is "STERLING" hallmarked. The varnished hardwood shaft is smooth, appears to be ebony, and is tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 35 1/4 inches overall.

Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone overall, a minor chip absent from the left ear, and a few scattered hairline age cracks. The silver shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some light wear, a few scattered light handling marks, and some oxidation on the iron tip.