A fabulous large whale ivory knob on exotic koa wood. Sailor-made from a bull whale's tooth, the large, octagon ivory handle is 3 1/4" high and 1 7/8" across the top. There is an ivory octo-carved raised ring just above the base. There are three thin baleen separators and two thin ivory ones along with a 2" long ivory stem, (probably from the same tooth as the octagon handle), as well a 3/4" dark ebony piece near the bottom. The shaft is dark, heavy, Hawaiian koa wood and the stick terminates with a 1/3" homemade brass ferrule that may have originally been a sleeve or a small piece of a brass pipe. The overall length is 33 7/8" and the condition is excellent with the ivory showing a rich, creamy age patina. It is of the quality, size and weight to have been a "going-ashore" cane for self-defense. It is ca 1850, and was probably a product of Western American whaling. It is a marvelous example that has survived its life extremely well. Estimate: $3000-$4000. This lot is subject to shipping restrictions outlined in Terms and Conditions.