Decorative canes have long been used as a symbol of wealth and social status, reaching the peak of their popularity as an accessory of the well-to-do in the 18th and 19th centuries. This piece is a fantastic example of that, being constructed from materials that were both desirable and valuable then as well as now. The girl knob grip shows spiraling flutes and a band of floral motifs near the bottom, as well as a miniscule French eagle head hallmark and a miniscule maker's mark that may be that of Henri Lustig, the initials "HL" on either side of a mermaid. The grip is fitted to an antique ivory shaft that has been expertly carved with knobs/thorns to imitate some of the popular woods of the time and is tipped with silver and iron. It measures 39 1/4 inches overall.

Very fine overall, the grip showing most of the bright gilt finish, attractively aged patina on the silver, and a few scattered hairline age cracks in the shaft, but otherwise minimal handling evidence. A unique cane that projects power and wealth!