A rare and very important violin cane. The large mahogany tau handle is 3 1/2" high and 6 1/2" long. Below it, is a 7/8" lined nickel collar at which point the handle unscrews. A chamber is revealed that holds a fitted mahogany horse-hair bow with dark horn and mother-of-pearl decoration. The instrument is opened by removing a 21 1/2" mahogany panel. There are internal ebony seats and a maple sounding board along with a maple bridge that raises the strings for playing. There are four tuning pins that can be tightened for proper tension. This remarkable piece is capable of producing a fine sound. There are two additional nickel bands that secure the panel on the mahogany shaft, for storage. A 3/4" nickel ferrule completes the piece. The overall length is 34" and the condition is very good. It is probably Austrian, ca 1860. (At a recent exhibition of antique musical instruments held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, a similar piece was displayed. It was attributed to the Austrian maker Moritz Wilhelm Gloesel, 1829-1927.) Violin canes represent the zenith of gadget cane collecting. Because they rarely reach the market in any numbers, we are most privileged to present this very fine one. It comes from the collection of Marion Wurlitzer, of Wurlitzer & Brunk, noted New York dealers in fine musical antiques. Estimate: $10000-$15000.