EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBSingular Marine Cane
About Seller
125 West Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
United States
Family-owned and family-run Johnson City Tennessee auction business for 25 years. Selling antiques and collectables for 38 years. Kimball M. Sterling, Inc. was founded and is owned by Kimball and Victoria Sterling, time and again, they have laid solid claim to world-wide attention and renown with an...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
About Auction
LiveJan 3, 2026
Masterpiece Cane auction is all from a Europeon collection. We offer items from this private collection about once a year, Kimball Sterling kimballsterling@earthlink.net
View Full Catalog (89)
- Lot Description
Ca. 1860
Carved from a whale tooth to depict a walrus head, this piece is remarkably adapted as a cane handle and features realistic details, bushy whiskers, small expressive eyes, and a pair of long, integral tusks. Its impressive size and the fact that the tusks are not inset but part of the handle itself heighten its uniqueness and allure.
This exquisite piece has all the elements to ascribe it to the whaler artist tentatively. It reflects the rich cultural heritage along the North East U.S. coast, embodying a touch of wonder and storytelling charisma.
It comes with a silver collar, personalized for “J. NICOLSON”, within a matched pair of delicately engraved framing bands, on a malacca shaft, eyelets, and a brass ferrule.
Preserved for over one and a half centuries in its entirety and in excellent condition, with a richly matured surface and a permeated surface to the shaft, this cane exudes a sense of history and wonder, elevating it to a first-rate, highly desirable piece of Americana. It is such pieces that fall outside the usual standard range that trigger the interest of the seasoned collector and generate excitement, especially since there is plenty of research potential and agreeable surprises to be had.
The passage of time has lent it the revered distinction of a true “Star Marine Piece,” inspiring awe and curiosity in all who behold it.
H. 4 ¼” x 2”, O.L. 36”
$2,000 - $3,000
Figural handles are relatively rare within the whalers' repertoire, mainly because the specialized tools required to create them were not available on board. It is therefore reasonable to assume that this particular piece may have been begun during a whaling voyage, then completed and mounted upon return to the mainland, hence the malacca shaft. Another compelling evidence for this lies in the silver collar and engraving, the work of a trained silversmith. While not of the highest refinement, the craftsmanship is nonetheless clearly professional.
- 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
