Walking-sticks and canes derive from the cudgels and staves carried for defence, evolving into dress accessories topped with silver or ivory, with a ferrule at the point to cut down wear. Also keenly sought are multi-purpose canes, with a concealed spirit flask, tobacco pipe or even a tiny fire-arm for personal safety.Ī walking stick was an integral part of every well dressed man's wardrobe in the nineteenth century, and his collection of walking-sticks were probably kept just inside the hall in a stand, sharing space with umbrellas. However silver handled canes have survived in large numbers, and exhibit a wide variety of decorative treatment, from the comparatively plain, armorial or regimental style to the more flamboyant excesses of Art Nouveau.Ĭarved handles can be found depicting grotesque animal or human forms, and are highly prized nowadays. The height of good taste was a gold handle with minmal decoration, as silver handles were despised by the wealthier classes. Sometimes they were made out of porcelain, Bakelite, gold, silver, or glass enameled or cloisonnéd or sprinkled with precious gemstones. However their use went out of fashion after this, leaving the market to collectors.įor a collector, the main interest lies in the handle, which could be made of wood, bamboo, ebony, ivory, tusk, animal horn, or bone.

From around 1550 to 1930, canes were a dressing accessory without which a lady or gentleman, properly dressed, would never leave the house.

Carving walking canes