Canes reached the pinnacle of their popularity, especially among the gentry and upper echelons of society, in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, becoming far more than just a mobility tool, but rather a statement piece to project one's social status and wealth. This attractive cane certainly checks those boxes, having been masterfully carved by a skilled artisan. This specific cane is pictured and discussed on p. 88-91 of "Larry Mattson Collections: Carved Cane Handles 2021". The antique ivory grip is carved in the shape of a bust of a bearded man wearing a Chechia fez hat, a fairly unique feature of the uniform worn by the Tirailleurs Sénégalais. The Tirailleurs Sénégalais were formed in 1857 by Louis Faidherbe, the governor general of French West Africa at the time. The unit saw decorated service through both World Wars and remained in French service until 1964. The grip is joined to the shaft by a decorative silver band with floral and geometric embellishment. The knotted and ridged hardwood shaft is tipped with German silver. It measures 33 1/2 inches overall. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

Fine, the attractively aged grip showing a few hairline cracks on top, attractive antique patina on the silver band, and the shaft showing some minor splitting on the ridges due to age.