47. Ivory Brigg Automated Cane-London 1884-Naturalistically carved ivory knob with a true to life polychrome and two inset glass eyes. When the button on the back of the collar is depressed, the cockatiel seems reviving and opens its mighty beak with a quacking sound to display a moving, red tongue. The operating mechanics are concealed in the shaft and, without doubt a tour de force of ingenuity, they still work perfectly. The cockatiel head comes with its original silver collar struck on one side with London hallmarks 1884 and obscured maker’s mark on a pepper bamboo shaft and a metal ferrule. Described in the original catalogue as Mechanical Canes, these were pricey sold at the period and are rarely encountered in working condition.-H. 2 ¼” x 2 ¼”, O.L. 38”-$3,000-$4,000

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.