Hard Stone and Silver Duck Head 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. 1900 Crafted from a natural solid grayish agate, the handle is wheel-cut to depict a duck head, complete with a traditional long, slightly flattened, and rounded bill. The duck's eyes and brows are precision lapidary work, giving it a powerful and expressive appearance. In addition, a discreetly hinted feather coat amplifies the wild essence of the waterfowl while also offering a soothing touch for the user's hand. A narrow flaw on the back of the head provides further evidence of the agate's natural origin. The handle comes with a gracefully tapering silver collar delicately engraved with a repeating pattern that evokes the image of a feather coat, framed at the top with a raised silver wire ring. Clear hallmarks confirm the London origin of 1897, while the adjacent mark with the initials “TD”, registered in November 1890 and used until 1908, belongs to Thomas Davis from Avebury Street, Hoxton, London N. Stick mounts exclusively featured the later mark. The collar runs in a sleek black washer with a matching profile and continues into a unique wood shaft with a distinct pattern of dark spots against a warm, warm-toned, and richly hued background. Furthermore, the shaft showcases eyelets adorned with a beautifully crafted woven and knotted loop, elegantly finished with feathered leather finials and a metal ferrule. This exquisite walking stick exudes a characteristic sense of luxury, and with a taste for the striking and unusual, it celebrates the world of figural hard stone canes. Only the wealthiest patrons could afford such a level of quality and elaboration. Careful handling is evident in the profile of this cane, which would grace any collection, however advanced it may be. The impact of Fabergé in Paris at the Exposition Internationale Universelle in 1900 proved strong, and the Russian style provoked enormous fascination. However, the jewelers and artisans who set out to copy it could not, try as they may have, completely shed all of their own culture's accent. Canes with duck motifs seem to generally attract collectors, possibly due to their crossover appeal and association with more than one collecting field. Furthermore, the duck is rich in symbolism, which perhaps also adds to their desirability. H. 2 ¼” x 2 ¾”, O.L. 36 ¾” $1,000-$ 1,500 Grey agate is a stone of strength, grounding, and protection. It is used for relieving fatigue, releasing positive energy, and removing the influence of negative thoughts and energy. People often use it as a calming stone that uncovers hidden meanings and information. This stone will bring you good fortune and luck.
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