Antique Tortoiseshell and Gold Cane
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Exceptionally rare materials distinguished this exquisite, circa 1900, walking stick
Key Features
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- Exceptionally rare tortoiseshell distinguish this exquisite walking stick
- The stunning engraved handle is fashioned of yellow gold in period form
- A finely detailed metal ferrule protects the tortoiseshell-veneered shaft
- To find such an early cane in such beautiful condition is extremely rare
- Circa 1900
- 30 1/2" high
Item Details
- Period:
19th Century - Origin:
Other
Exceptionally rare materials distinguish this exquisite walking stick, crafted of tortoiseshell and yellow gold. The stunning engraved handle is fashioned of yellow gold in period form, while a metal ferrule protects the tortoiseshell-veneered shaft. Handle is inscribed: "I.N.M to C.L.M / 12-25-36."
Among the most expensive of their time, tortoiseshell canes were very difficult to make. Created by what is today a lost art, tortoiseshell canes were made from the shell of the carette turtle. One shaft required the largest six pieces of the 13 natural plaques of one large turtle. The pieces had to come from a single animal, as each turtle had a unique grain. The lighter the color of the shell, the more appreciated it was. The art of manipulating tortoiseshell was discovered by the Chinese, who found that when heated, it could be easily molded and would hold a permanent shape. Today, the knowledge of handling tortoiseshell is almost completely lost, and only a few examples of this amazing art survive today.
30 1/2" high
Among the most expensive of their time, tortoiseshell canes were very difficult to make. Created by what is today a lost art, tortoiseshell canes were made from the shell of the carette turtle. One shaft required the largest six pieces of the 13 natural plaques of one large turtle. The pieces had to come from a single animal, as each turtle had a unique grain. The lighter the color of the shell, the more appreciated it was. The art of manipulating tortoiseshell was discovered by the Chinese, who found that when heated, it could be easily molded and would hold a permanent shape. Today, the knowledge of handling tortoiseshell is almost completely lost, and only a few examples of this amazing art survive today.
30 1/2" high
