A very good sword cane curio with a carved wood lion. The dark fruitwood “L” handle is 5 1/3” high and 3 1/3” to the side. On the stem portion, the head of a male lion with its paws resting on a decorated shield is nicely carved in high relief. Below that is a decorated 3/4” wood band with a hidden button at the center of carved crown. When the button is depressed, a 28 1/4” long diamond-shaped steel blade can be withdrawn from a tongue and groove brass seat in a stepped malacca shaft. The blade is decorated with bluing and scrolls for thirteen inches and is in very good condition. A 2/3” brass ferrule completes the piece. The overall length is 34 7/8” and the condition is very good. It is perhaps Continental, ca 1875, and it is a fine example of the type. Estimate: $800-$1200