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. This cane is discussed and pictured on p. 56-59 of "Larry Mattson Collections: Carved Cane Handles 2021". This particular example has an antique ivory grip that has been masterfully relief carved with a bust of a young Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) when he was First Consul of the French Republic (1799-1804). The bust shows the iconic high collared and laced red coat Bonaparte is seen wearing in many paintings representing him as First Consul. Symbols such as this one, representing Bonaparte, were popular among his supporters to show their continued loyalty to their emperor, even long after his reign had come to an end. The grip is joined to the shaft by a lightly engraved/rollmarked metal band and the ebony shaft has small carved knobs/thorns scattered throughout and is tipped with German silver and horn. It measures 38 inches overall. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

Very fine, an attractive very slightly aged appearance with minimal handling evidence, some light oxidation in the grooves of the metal band, and a few scattered dings, chips, and hairline cracks in the shaft.