Ca. 1860
Fashioned from a straight piece of bamboo fitted with a silver-plated knob, the slender clum features four nodes and progressively elongated segments characterized by a dark brownish color.
With a firm pull, it separates into two parts, 4 ¾ inches from the top, revealing a 17-inch tall, high-grade steel blade. Straightforward, the plain, angular blade features a strong taper that continues gently and ends in a pointed tip.
Sourced from the dispersals of feudal country house in France, the cane was discovered in the cellar vaults beneath a pile of wooden planks, where it must have remained undisturbed for an entire century, untouched by time. Its disastrous condition, with a wholly quenched, dilapidated, and entirely corroded blade, evokes a sense of poignant history and forgotten stories. This intriguing documentation cane is not merely an object; it serves as a silent witness to the passage of time and the fragility of human endeavors. It illustrates how the elements, along with the weight of history and nostalgia, can transform cherished possessions into relics, leaving behind the echoes of their past in an unrecognizable way.
When presented in the appropriate context and location, it still has the potential to add a certain spirit to a cane collection or a cane exhibition.
H. 2 ½” x ¾”, O.L. 35 ½”
$200-$300
The study of corrosion related to the degradation of metals due to their interaction with the environment has captivated countless scientists. When iron is exposed to moisture and oxygen, it corrodes through an oxidation process that involves a loss of electrons. This reaction, commonly called rusting, produces a reddish-brown hydrated iron oxide. Various types of corrosion can occur based on the materials used and the environmental factors involved. Deep corrosion can lead to the complete destruction of the metal.
While surface corrosion can create a protective film on some metal surfaces, iron corrosion merely accelerates the process.