Jeweled Silver Dress Cane

About Auction

Live

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

View Full Catalog (139)

• Lot Description
  Ca. 1900 Silver knob crafted in a classic, straight tapering Milord shape, adorned with an intricate engine-turned design displaying a horizontal wavy pattern complemented by a delicate net-like engraving, evoking the image of a honeycomb. The continuous panel is further enhanced with the application of three beautifully crafted and graciously hanging laurel leaf garlands, each embellished with berries and crossed ribbons. Furthermore, at the connection points, there are three corresponding hangings, adding a touch of grace and sophistication. The details are breathtakingly fine and complemented by the rightful high relief. An elegant raised band frames the top of this wide and continuous panel with a delicate pattern of acanthine leaves, while a matching yet simpler band edges the bottom. The inclusion of a substantial and flawless, facetted circular amethyst at the pinnacle brings a captivating, colored brilliance and opulence to the overall arrangement. Usually, when a piece of jewelry doesn't have any hallmarks, it's a sign that it was made as a model rather than for public sale. Alternatively, probably like here, the item was intended for export and the hallmarks would have been added in the destination country. In either case, it speaks for singularity. The profile of this knob shows classic Louis XVI inspiration, and it has an unmistakable touch of glamour that is so distinctive to the French, Parisan Belle Époque era, a period of optimism, economic prosperity and technological progress on both sides of the Atlantic. The knob comes on an ebony shaft and a horn ferrule. H. 1 ¾” x 1”, O.L. 33 ¾” $800-$1,200 La Belle Époque, or the Belle Epoque saw huge cultural advances, artistic freedom, social affluence, and significant scientific and technological progress. The movement extended across Europe, western Russia, and even America, but ultimately it centered around Paris. It arguably began in 1871 at the end of the Franco-Prussian war, but it truly gained momentum in the 1880’s and lasted up until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The Belle Epoque had a two-fold outlook. It was progressive and embraced social change, new technologies, and artistic freedoms, yet at the same time, it was nostalgic for the beauties of the past. In a time of peace and prosperity, France looked both forwards and backwards, celebrating the wonders of its history and looking optimistically to the future. The term Belle Epoque means ‘beautiful era’ in French. In retrospect, the horrors of World War I served as a backdrop against which people remembered the Belle Epoque as a 'Golden Age'. The picture on the backdrop is a painting by Gaston La Touche (French, 1854-1913) titled “La Promenade” which means “The Walk”. It is inscribed “A Marie Thérèse Elrotte pour ses 39 ans” “Marie Thèrese Elrotte for her 39th anniversary”. We selected it because it is contemporary to the cane, and, although it was a dream come true for the fashionable man to be beside Marie Thèrese that day, it would have been even better if he had been wielding this cane.
• Shipping Info

  • Each auction has different shipping terms but the buyer always pays.

     

    Canes:

     

    After payment has been received we will contact you.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 23.00 %