A great undertaker's coffin measure cane. Made of dark bamboo, it has a natural root handle that is 1 1/2" high and 1 1/4" at its widest. With a straight pull on the handle, a long, squared, brass measure can be withdrawn. The measure has a swing-out arm that fixes at a right angle with a small diagonal brass bar. It is calibrated only on one side in a 2" gradient scale so that a discreet measurement of the deceased could be made for a custom made coffin. Its total length when fully extended is just under six feet. (On page 261, 26/1, #4, of Dike's Cane Curiosa, a close example of this type of cane is shown. The bamboo shaft ends with a 1 1/3" burnished brass ferrule. The overall length as a cane is 37" and the condition is very good. It is probably American, ca 1880, and it is a very fine example of the kind. Estimate: $1200-$1800.