A walking stick was an integral part of every well dressed man's wardrobe in the nineteenth century, and his collection of walking-sticks were probably kept just inside the hall in a stand, sharing space with umbrellas.

Walking-sticks and canes derive from the cudgels and staves carried for defence, evolving into dress accessories topped with silver or ivory, with a ferrule at the point to cut down wear. Many had elaborately carved heads. Sometimes these unscrewed to reveal space for a snuff box or other article. About 200 ancillary accessories are known to have been incorporated into walking more...

Canes

From around 1550 to 1930, canes were a dressing accessory without which a lady or gentleman, properly dressed, would never leave the house. However their use went out of fashion after this, leaving the market to collectors.

For a collector, the main interest lies in the handle, which could be made of wood, bamboo, ebony, ivory, tusk, animal horn, or bone. Sometimes they were made out of porcelain, Bakelite, gold, silver, or glass; enameled or cloisonnéd; or sprinkled with precious gemstones. The height of good taste was a gold handle with minmal decoration, as silver handles were despised by more...

4 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Antique marine ivory walking stick, formed as a spiral turned…

Spiral Narwhal Tusk Walking Stick with Leather Bands

Antique marine ivory walking stick, formed as a spiral turned narwhal tusk with seven leather bands to the top

Antique Narwhal tusk walking stick, 79 cm Long

Antique Narwhal Tusk Walking Stick - 79cm Long

Antique Narwhal tusk walking stick, 79 cm Long

An antique Narwhal tusk and silver walking cane, later 19th…

Antique Narwhal Tusk & Silver Walking Cane

An antique Narwhal tusk and silver walking cane, later 19th century, the cane of traditional tapering form and brass capped to the base, a turban style handle in possibly walrus ivory, the sterling silver collar with inscription dated 1883. Length 85 cm

A brass and ebony mounted Narwhal tusk walking stick, 19th…

Brass and Ebony Narwhal Tusk Walking Stick - 19th Century

A brass and ebony mounted Narwhal tusk walking stick, 19th century, 85 cm long