Up for sale is a striking, antique hand-carved walking stick, likely crafted from solid Ebony. This piece features a sophisticated, stylized dog head handle (reminiscent of a Greyhound or Whippet) and a beautifully executed spiral "barley twist" shaft. This is a high-quality collector's piece with a wonderful weight and natural patina.
Handle: A hand-carved, stylized canine head with elegant, minimalist lines. Based on museum references of similar pieces, the recessed eye sockets likely originally held mother-of-pearl or glass inlays.
Shaft: Features a traditional barley twist (spiral) carving that transitions into a smooth, turned section near the handle.
Material: Heavy, dense black wood, believed to be genuine Ebony.
Provenance Reference: A very similar example is held in the New Zealand Museum collection (Ref: eHive 1341547) Te Hikoi Museum https://ehive.com/collections/3278/objects/1341547/cane-carved-ebony-with-dogs-head
Total Height: 85 cm
Shaft Length: 78 cm
Handle Dimensions: Approx. 11 cm (L) x 7 cm (H)
This cane is in good antique condition with signs of age that add to its character:
Handle: There is a notable age-related hairline crack/chip on the underside/side of the dog's head (see photos).
Eyes: The original eye inlays are missing.
General Wear: Light scuffs and "chipped bits" consistent with a functional object of this age.
Integrity: The threaded screw connection between the head and shaft is intact and holds firmly.
Please review all high-resolution photos for a detailed look at the patina and wear.