A FINE TRENCH-ART CARVED AND POLYCHROMED “CONFERENCE DE LA HAYE” CANE
Probably French, World War I period

33 3/8" L x 3 5/8" D x 4 1/4" W

ref. 511DAL29Q

A carved wooden cane surmounted by an anthropomorphic pig figure wearing a spiked military helmet. The helmet, with its domed crown and projecting spike, closely resembles the German Pickelhaube associated with the Imperial Army during the First World War. The helmet retains traces of dark blue pigment, while the chin strap is highlighted a soft ochre paint.

The pig is carved standing upright with forelegs raised in a simplified, almost formal posture. Its snout is pierced at the nostrils, and the surface shows evidence of hand tooling throughout. The figure rests upon a red painted leather-bound book with yellow toned pages before transitioning into the shaft of the cane. The shaft itself is carved with diagonal banding and bears the inscription “CONFERENCE DE LA HAYE.”

The inscription refers to the Hague Conferences of 1899 and 1907, international diplomatic meetings held in The Hague intended to establish conventions governing warfare. 

The cane terminates in a simple brass ferrule.

Condition: Surface wear, paint loss and patination are consistent with age and handling. Ferrule is naive, possibly replaced. Inactive pest damage.