This leather wrapped sword cane or walking stick has a series of chevron pattered laces down from the pommel to the ferrule, splitting into a nest of loose strips at the collar before once again wrapping into alternating colored braids. The blade within is twenty-four inches long, double edged, and has back-to-back crescent moon designs down the center of both sides.

Weight (Lbs): 1.25
Height (In.): 36.25"
Width (In.): 1
Depth (In.): 1
Size: 372.5 x 4.0 x 4.0"
Maker: Unknown
Material: Leather, Hardwood
Date: 19th C.
Provenance: Durow
Condition: Wear at the collars and throughout the wrappings, minor splitting at the top seam.
History: The swordstick was a popular fashion accessory for the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. During this period, it was becoming less socially acceptable to openly carry a sword, but there were still upper-class men routinely trained in swordsmanship who wished to go armed for self-defense. Swords concealed in ladies' walking sticks and parasols were also not unknown, as it was even less socially acceptable for a lady to carry a sword, or publicly admit that she knew how to use one. Soon after their introduction, other "gadget canes" became popular. Instead of a blade, these would hold the tools of one's trade, compasses, and even flasks for keeping alcohol.