This cane or walking stick is made of a bent branchwood, with silver wire pique design down the shaft and a silver pomander at the top, covered with a brass plate. A Cyrillic phrase is set in the silver design, leading into the geometric whorls and diamonds up the shaft. This is a doctor's pomander cane which was used when entering sick rooms to ward off bad bacteria with vinegar solution.

Weight (Lbs): 1.5
Height (In.): 39.25
Width (In.): 4"
Depth (In.): 1"
Size: 412.5 x 4.0 x 4.0"
Maker: Unknown
Material: Silver, Branchwood, Brass
Date: C. 1900
Provenance:
Condition: There are some missing silver wires in the design, most noticeably in the lettering. The ferrule was replaced at a later date with a rubber covering.
History: Pomanders have been in use since Medieval times, where they were thought to provide protections from charms, plague, and parasites. Over time, the pomander developed into a device meant more for perfuming rather than true protection. In walking canes, the pomander is typically set into the head or grip and takes the form of a semi perforated ball containing a scented sponge or dried herbs.