A great silver Masonic folding ball cane. The silver ball handle is 3" high and 1 1/2" in diameter. It has a round, unmarked cartouche on top and it is elaborately decorated in "C" scrolls as well as being marked "Sterling Silver" at the base. The ball is held together by four silver crosses with locking pins. When the crosses are folded back, the ball opens into six hinged pieces that form a large cross. The interior is gilded with a gold wash and each piece is skillfully engraved with four different Masonic emblems. The shaft is ebony with a 1 1/2" white metal and iron ferrule. The overall length is 36" and the condition is excellent with a nice, tight ball. It is American, ca 1890, and it is a very fine example of the kind made with high quality materials.. A similar silver folding ball cane is shown on page 205, 19/15 of Dike's Cane Curiosa. Estimate: $3000-$4000.