BALL-IN-HAND CANE
19th Century
Ivory handle carved as a right hand grasping a ball, nicely detailed with fingernails, palm creases and a shirt cuff. Silver collar modeled as a buckle. Ebony shaft mounted with a silver scroll-engraved band with vacant cartouche and unidentified hallmarks, and a shield-shaped plaque engraved "Presented to J.J.R. Smith Captain of Hickory Town Cameroons River W. C. Africa By Ndumbe Alobebere (King Bell) King of the Duallas in recognition of his services During the Bombardment of Cameroons By the Germans In the Year 18823[sic]". Shaft also with ivory bands and ferrule.
Length 36.25".
Notes:
NdumbÈ LobÈ Bell, or King Bell, was leader of the Duala people in Southern Cameroon from 1858 to 1897, when the Germans established a colony in that area of Africa. **Not available for international shipping.***

Ivory components with age lines/cracks, with a small area of loss at tip of one fingernail. Shaft with minor scratches and other signs of wear. Ferrule appears to be missing a band and tip. Grime and sticker residue.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.