44. Top Rate Marine Cane-Ca. 1860-Substantial whale tooth knob well carved as a fist with a buttoned cuff and a coiled snake with a large head and forked tongue, well chased and engraved silver collar with engraved initials “EBK” and obscured hallmarks, malacca shaft with a finely chased silver collar and a metal ferrule. Imbued with the sensitivity and skill of the whaler artist and his innate aesthetics, this cane is “Marine Art” at its best. Well used and with a great feel of age.-Ever since the Mayflower deposited the Pilgrim Fathers on the shores of Cape Cod in 1620, Americans and particularly New Englanders have been fascinated by their marine heritage.  The theme of the hand has been often the subject of many experts and is generally taken for a Free Mason’s attribute. Though a fist gives the feel of power and authority and might have, in combination with a snake, ties with the medicine, it is legitimate, in this particular case, to believe that there is no symbolic behind it.-H. 4 ¼” x 2 ¼”, O.L. 35 ¼”-$3,000-$4,000