A very nice blowgun cane curio. The stained hardwood knob handle is 2 1/8" high and 1 1/4" in diameter. At the center of the top there is a hole through which the user could expel a sharp blow of breath to operate the piece. There is a 1/2" burnished brass collar on a hardwood shaft that has lost most of its original black finish from age and usage wear. There is a 5 1/2" brass ferrule that unscrews part way down for the insertion of a small caliber cartridge. When the cane is held horizontally and tipped slightly upward, a floating hammer can slide down to the handle. When aimed, a sharp breath can force the hammer down the shaft driving a brass mounted rim-fire pin into the cartridge for firing. (A modern, short rubber ferrule-cover has been added for protecting the barrel opening at the tip from damage.) It is perhaps Continental, ca 1880, all original, and the first of this particular design that we have encountered. Estimate: $1200-$1800.