Steadily growing in popularity starting around the 16th century, canes reached the pinnacle of their popularity amongst the upper classes of society around the late-19th and early-20th centuries. Cane's were often used as a symbol to project one's wealth, but also often used to commemorate something of importance to the person who would be carrying it. The L-shaped, antique ivory grip of this cane may be a prime example of this, having been masterfully relief carved in the form of a collared, snarling hound's head fitted with glass eyes. This may have been a prized hunting dog of the cane's owner. The grip is joined to the shaft with a floral patterned silver band engraved with a crowned crest featuring a pair of hands and initials that appear to be "MHC". The shaft appears to be smooth Malacca and is tipped with brass.