Different kinds of wood, horsehair, leather, glass eyes
Austria, circa 1920
Especially elegant crafted mechanical cane
Height of the handle: 7 cm
Estimate by Auctionata Expert: 190 EUR

This very elegant automaton cane has a smooth shaft with a mechanical handle, which is hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. The coloured French bulldog has inlaid glass eyes and a movable jaw, in which a handkerchief can be placed. Connected by a collar of horse-hair and leather, it is mounted to a wooden shaft.



The walking stick is in overall good condition with natural traces of use. One of the eyes is provisional replaced, the ferrule made of horn shows notches. The total length of the walking stick is 96.5 cm.



Walking canes

Predominantly used by men, the cane played a role as a support but even more as a walking accessory. The promenader grabbed the handle loosely and swung it in his walking rhythm.



Canes have existed since ancient times, when they were probably no more than broken branches. Since the Middle Ages canes have become more distributed, where they not only served as support but also as a weapon or tool. Sophisticated society members and representatives of certain professions had more elaborate sticks. Especially during the 17th and 18 Century, walking canes functioned as a symbol of social status and were often very preciously crafted. Since the 19th Century, the accessory also became common and fashionable in the middle classes, where they had to match the clothing. With the development of the industrialization, so-called system-canes could conceal a variety of functions. Since the mid-20th Century, walking sticks were less used but became a popular collector's item.

 

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.