A great wood cat automaton cane. The dark hardwood handle is 2 1/3" high and 1 3/4" at its widest. It depicts a nicely detailed cat with amber glass eyes and perked ears, and is a less common motif. When a spring driven lever at the cat's throat is engaged, its tiny mouth opens to reveal a red interior. The mechanics are strong and work very well. There is a thin, 1/8" brass collar on a palmwood shaft that ends with a 7/8" replaced brass ferrule. The overall length is 34" and the condition is very good. It is perhaps English, ca 1890, and it is a marvelous example made to entertain and amuse. Estimate: $900-$1300.