Often used as an accessory to show a man's fame, wealth, or social standing, canes were a very important fashion accessory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular cane is a fine example of that, and it appears to have possibly belonged to a famous Irish opera tenor named John McCormick (or McCormack). The antique ivory grip is attractively relief carved in the form of a lion's head which is fitted with red glass eyes. The grip is joined to the shaft with a brass band. The upper 1/3 of the ebony shaft is relief carved with vines, leaves, and clover, lending further credence to this cane belonging to an Irishman. Just below that is carved "John McCormick" with carved musical notes around it, all of which are gilt filled. At the bottom of the shaft is a carved gilt filled motif and a tip of brass and blued steel. It measures approximately 35 1/4 inches.

Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone with a few hairline age cracks and a couple of the lion's teeth chipped. The brass shows an attractive, lightly aged patina. The shaft is very fine with crisp carving, minimal handling evidence, and much of the gilt fill remaining.