Lot 89: Relief Carved Viper and Flower Cane with Gold Band

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. This example appears to be styled for a gentleman living in or who had spent time in a tropical location given the theme. The knob-shaped antique ivory handle has been masterfully carved in the shape of a detailed viper with pearl eyes resting on a peony. There is a 14K gold band where the handle meets the shaft that is engraved "A.K.P." and stamped with four hallmarks: "C&M", "crown", "lion", and "14". The hardwood shaft has been carved in the shape of bamboo, adding to the tropical theme, finished with a medium-dark brown finish, and tipped with horn.

Very fine, the antique ivory showing an attractive slightly aged appearance with a hairline age crack near the base, some light scratches on the gold band, and some scattered minor dings and chips in the shaft.