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 is decidedly not of middle class origin however, and was almost certainly the possession of someone in the upper echelons of society. The grip has been masterfully relief carved in the form of a hand grasping the ball, the hand having a decidedly feminine look, and a buttoned cuff visible on the wrist. There is a spiraled rope band carved where the grip joins the shaft. The shaft is made of up sections of smooth antique ivory that gives a similar appearance to bamboo, and there appears to be a metal core down the center. The shaft is tipped with brass. It measures 37 inches overall.

Very fine overall with some hairline age cracks scattered throughout and otherwise minimal handling evidence. A unique and beautifully carved cane!