catalog text
VICTORIAN SILVERPLATE BARREL-FORM "MATCH SAFE" HANDLED EBONIZED CANE
Underside of screw-on lid hallmarked with serial numbering "C 4071"
Probably English, circa 1870s
35 1/2" H x shaft diameter 1/2"
A lovely Victorian period cane with a barrel-form handle, the lid unscrews to reveal a match safe inside. The shape of the barrel perfectly transitions into the shaft with a tapered brass element that reduces from the barrel down to the diameter of the stick. The silverplate and the warm brass are a wonderful contrast against the pitch-black of the tapered ebonized hardwood shaft.
Condition: Tarnish to the silverplate, rubbing through to the underlying metal in some areas; old finish on the shaft with wear and loss to the stain throughout; seam at bottom of cane suggesting it was perhaps ended out at some point if the tip deteriorated; a sturdy piece that is ready for regular use.
ref. 503CTW05P