A very scarce butterfly net entomologist's cane. The large wood crook handle measures about 10" along the arc and is about 1" at its thickest. Along the hardwood shaft, there are metal fittings that can slide along it when the large black net is opened by untying two black ribbons. When untied, two cloth covered metal loops are released forming a large round net that was used to capture butterfly specimens. The metal slides along the shaft release at the same time, and the mechanics of converting the cane to an entomologist's specimen net, work very well. A 1" replaced brass ferrule completes the piece. The overall length is 37" and the condition is very good. It is perhaps English, ca 1890. A similar example of a butterfly net is shown on page 41, 5/1, of Dike's Cane Curiosa. It is from the fine Philip Hampton Collection. Estimate: $3000-$5000.