Rising in popularity as a statement piece in a gentleman's wardrobe beginning in the 16th century, canes reached the zenith of their popularity around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when men and women alike used them as a physical symbol of their wealth and social status. The silver band on this example bears the inverted triangle "WDC" marking of William Demuth & Co., which was established in 1862 and was a prominent New York tobacconist around the turn of the century. The grip has been expertly relief carved in the form of a parrot's head which is fitted with glass eyes and has highly detailed carved feathers. The grip is joined to the shaft by the previously mentioned silver band that is also marked "STERLING". The shaft is of smooth hardwood and tipped with steel. It measures 36 1/4 inches overall.