Lot 239: Lion Relief Carved Antique Ivory Cane Inscribed to C.D. Jordan

During the 19th and 20th centuries, canes became incredibly popular as a status symbol, especially among upper class gentlemen in Western Europe and North America. This specific cane is a fantastic example of that, and is inscribed on the silver band around the shaft, just below the grip, "C.D. Jordan/St. Louis", which is surrounded by near full coverage floral scroll engraving. The band also has Henry Howell & Co. Birmingham hallmarks dated to 1893. The antique ivory grip has been masterfully relief carved into a roaring lions head and fitted with glass eyes. The shaft is of ebonized hardwood with a dark horn tip. St. Louis newspapers from around the turn of the century mention a C.D. Jordan many times, who was Vice President of the A.J. Jordan Cutlery Company, and who certainly would have been wealthy enough to own such a fine cane. The A.J. Jordan Cutlery Company appears to have manufactured a multitude of mostly folding utility knives, likely for the booming markets in the American West.

Very fine, the grip showing an attractive antique appearance with some hairline age-related cracks. The silver shows an attractive antique patina and well-defined engraving. The shaft has some scattered light flaking/scuffs, otherwise retaining most of the ebonized finish.