Ebonized and brown painted wood, ivory, carved, partial silver
Germany, England, Russia, late 19th century
Silver hallmarked with the fineness
Slender, partial slightly conical shafts
Carved, partly angulated ivory handles with different motifs, including a snake and a relief with a female dancer and a Pierrot making music, partially bordered in silver 
Total length: from 80 to 96 cm

Condition:

The walking canes are in good condition, consistent with age and bearing usual signs of wear. The wooden surfaces are partially slightly rubbed and scratched. The ivory with slight tension cracks, the snake of one cane is minimally damaged. 

Walking canes

Canes were used, predominantly by men, as a means of support but considerably more as a walking accessory. The promenader grabbed the handle loosely and swung it in the rhythm of his walk.

Walking sticks have existed since ancient times, when presumably they were merely suitable branches that were found on the ground or broken off trees. Starting in the Middle Ages, canes became more distributed, when their possible use as tools and weapons led to an increase in their popularity. Sophisticated society members and certain professionals had more elaborate canes. Especially during the 17th and 18 Century, walking canes functioned as a symbol of social status and were often quite luxuriously crafted. From the 19th Century, the accessory also became common and fashionable in the middle classes: a cane was chosen according to how it would match with the user’s clothing. After the Industrial Revolution in Europe, so-called system canes could conceal a variety of functions. These were often patented and examples include both swords and firearm weapons, cigarette lighters, small mirrors, snuff boxes, whiskey bottles and glasses, musical instruments, medical equipment and countless more. Since the mid-20th Century, walking sticks are less widely-used but, due to their extensive history and great variety, they have become a popular collector's item. (kre)

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