Steadily growing in popularity starting around the 16th century, canes reached the pinnacle of their popularity amongst the upper classes of society around the late-19th and early-20th centuries. They became more than just an accessory, but rather a symbol of ones status and wealth. The antique ivory grip of this example has been masterfully relief carved into the head of a hound, possibly a favorite hunting dog of the original owner, and is fitted with glass eyes. There is a plain silver band where the grip meets the shaft marked "SOLID SILVER" and with an "N.H.&M." hallmark. The smooth ebonized hardwood shaft is tipped with a German silver and iron ferrule.

Fine, the grip showing an attractive antique color with some hairline age-related cracks and some minor dents in the silver band. The shaft is very good with a hairline crack near the top and otherwise minimal handling evidence and retaining almost all of the ebonized finish.