Early Sword Cane

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Masterpiece Cane Auction

By Kimball Sterling

May 24, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-24 11:00:00 2025-05-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Masterpiece Cane Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/kimball-sterling/masterpiece-cane-auction-19479
A European Masterpiece Cane Auction Kimball Sterling kimballsterling@earthlink.net

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• Lot Description
  Ca. 1800 Substantial horn handle featuring a longer cylindrical stem that stretches, with an integral raised ring near the bottom and a flattened ball knob adorned with a turned whale tooth shield inset at the top. The knob, most likely made of the highly prized Siam buffalo horn, displays a well-aged surface with greenish hues emphasized by a remarkable luminosity that makes it challenging to differentiate from rhino horn. It comes on a deep black ebony shaft fitted with a larger brass ferrule that terminates in an intriguing, longer threaded part whose purpose is yet to be unveiled. The cane splits into two parts, 5 ½ inches from the top, revealing an impressive 27 ¼ inches tall, linear tapering triple-edged steel blade with a fearsome pointed tip. It features two deeply hollowed, concave, and mirrored sides and a third flat one with a profound blood groove running its entire length, save for a smaller flat panel joining the handle. The latter includes intriguing yellow gold wire inlay, which merits further academic research, as it may conceal a date, origin, or other fascinating information that could provide insights into the cane's origin. Lightweight and stiff like no other of this size and length, the blade boasts a superb smooth finish emphasized by an attractive, consistently aged surface. The fine art of blade making is on display here, elevating steel crafting to new heights, all while being cleverly concealed within a cane, and what a cane! Endowed with the firm, imposing presence of a staff and in an enviable condition, this cane stands far apart from its competitors. It has a remarkable sense of silence, is not aggressive, and has survived in superb condition. H. 5 ½” x 1 ½”, O.L. 40 ½” $1,200-$2,000 A triangular cross-section is the stiffest given the amount of mass resisting bending equally in any direction. It has a more assertive profile, resists deforming, and focuses the energy of the blow straight in. Thinking a little deeper, I see it's also very good at tearing and bending material out of the way as it passes. Most triangular blades have a more pronounced distal taper (the blade is thinner the further you go down the length from the handle). This would cause more wound expansion the further the blade is inserted. The triangular shape also suggests more lethal injuries when used for stabbing, since such a shape is complex to close and will also dilate the surrounding muscle, leading to faster bleeding. The limited prevalence of this manufacturing process can be attributed to the fact that it demands a certain level of skill and an adequate workforce, both of which contribute to higher production costs and consequently higher selling prices.
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