99. Early Ivory Gauging Cane-Ca. 1720-Substantial ivory knob turned in the early Piqué proportions and shape, malacca shaft and 2 ¾” tall brass ferrule. The knob is threaded and opens, with the breaking line concealed in the decoration, to reveal, hidden in a cavity which goes through the entire length of the shaft, a 36” tall cylindrical and gauged hardwood rod with various scales and obscured maker’s mark. According to the expert, it was designed to measure the contents of beer or wine casks. This fine example of an exceedingly rare type of cane has apparent ties to the early Piqué canes heritage from the early 17th century and survived well over two centuries of age with its entire original integrity including the slim brass collar with finely turned grooves. The ivory knob and malacca shaft aged with uniformly glazed, luminous surfaces and the concealed wood rod with a rich, dark tan.-For similar canes of the common wooden topped examples see C. Dike, Cane Curiosa, Chapter 26, Measures, page 266, Nr. 24/36.-H. 2” x 1 ¼”, O.L. 36 ¾”-$800-$1,200

The ivory Loxodonta Africana in this cane complies with pre-cites and the Endangered Species Act 1973 which are currently the law in the United States. It is our opinion that this cane was made before 1973 and the ivory has not been repaired or altered. Each lot in this auction is in our opinion legal to sell in the USA except in states that have restrictions. Please check your state law.Species Authority:(Blumenbach, 1797)Common Name(s):English–African ElephantFrench–Éléphant d'Afrique, Éléphant AfricainSpanish–Elefante AfricanoKingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyANIMALIACHORDATAMAMMALIAPROBOSCIDEAELEPHANTIDAENo new law is in effect for ivory that complies with the ESA.