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THBSword 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:
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| $500 | $50 |
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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
The handle is crafted from a naturally grown hardwood branch, shaped in an elegantly stretched pistol grip. Its beautifully gnarled surface not only offers striking decorative appeal but also ensures an exceptionally secure, non-slip grip in the hand.
The cane features a brass collar mounted on a well-turned, linearly tapered, light-metal shaft, finished with metallic paint and completed with a brass ferrule.
At first glance, this piece appears to be a decorative cane with a refined, classy look. However, to a great surprise, it hides a secret, being a sword cane. Concealed inside the stylish exterior is a long, sharp blade that can be easily revealed with a simple straight pull.
A reliable friction lock secures the blade, which measures an impressive 27½ inches. Forged with a plain, triangular, tapered profile and deeply concave sides, the blade is engineered for performance. Its form increases stiffness, reduces weight, and adds flexibility. Combined with a fearsome pointed tip, this design makes it a highly effective weapon for thrusting and self-defense.
Hidden in plain sight, a very discreet profile marks this cane, and the high degree to which its nature is disguised boosts its appeal.
H. 5 ¾” x 1 ½”, O.L. 36 ¼”
$800-$900
The swordstick, essentially a sword concealed within a walking cane, was a fashionable yet discreet accessory among the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. As social conventions increasingly frowned upon the open carrying of weapons, particularly swords, the swordstick offered a subtle means for a gentleman to remain armed.
Many members of the upper classes were still trained in swordsmanship and valued the ability to defend themselves, especially in urban settings where street crime was not uncommon. The swordstick allowed them to do so without attracting undue attention or violating emerging norms of civility.
Though elegant in appearance, the swordstick was a practical object that blended personal safety with social decorum. Some versions were highly ornate, reflecting their owners' status as much as their preparedness.
In modern times, the manufacture, possession, or carrying of swordsticks is restricted or prohibited in many parts of the world, owing to concerns about concealed weapons and public safety. This highlights the perceived effectiveness of these canes.
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