Canes began their rise to popularity in the 16th century, reaching their pinnacle around the 18th century, and continuing into the early 20th century. They became far more than a mobility aid, but rather a vessel with which one could project their wealth and social status. This piece is certainly one befitting an upper class gentleman, purely due to the craftsmanship and materials involved. The grip has been expertly relief carved in the form of a large, highly detailed rabbits head, with its ears erect and alert. The rabbit is fitted with a pair of glass eyes and what appears to be the collar of a gentleman's shirt. The grip is joined to the shaft with a silver band engraved with floral motifs and "A.L.K./1902". At the time of writing, the identity of the initials are unknown. It is interesting to note that 1902 was the same year that the immensely popular literary work "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter was released, and may have had some influence on the subject matter of this cane. The shaft is smooth ebony and is tipped with a brass ferrule. It measures 39 1/4 inches overall from the tip of the ferrule to the top of the ears.

Exceptionally fine, the grip showing an attractive lightly aged tone with a few scattered hairline cracks typical of its age, attractive antique patina on the silver, and some scattered light handling marks on the shaft that retains most of the finish. A very attractive, masterfully carved cane!