From the beginning, when canes began to grow in popularity in the 16th century, two of the most popular themes displayed on them were animals and religious/mythic motifs, with this example showing both. The imagery of the lion and the serpent has been used since the early Middle Ages, often with biblical connotations, symbolizing the triumph of Christ over Satan, or symbolizing a ruler defeating evil. The grip of this example has been relief carved to show exactly that, a lion with a serpent clutched in its jaws. 3 1/4 inches down the shaft from the grip is a silver band inscribed with the initials "CMJ", as well as a small gothic letter and "STERLING" mark. The shaft is smooth malacca and tipped with light colored horn. It measures approximately 35 5/8 inches overall.

Fine, the grip shows an attractive, lightly aged tone, a hairline crack, and the tip of the grip reattached with glue. The silver shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is also fine with some scattered minor flaking/scuffing.