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. Being most popular among the upper echelons of society, popular motifs for canes often featured prized and valuable horses or hunting dogs, such as this example. The slightly "L" shaped, antique ivory handle is masterfully relief carved in the shape of a snarling hound's head. The handle is joined to the shaft with a wide silver band marked "STERLING". The varnished hardwood shaft is smooth, shows some nice figure, and is tipped with dark horn. It measures 32 inches overall.