Antique Hand-Carved Ebony Walking Stick Dog Head Handle Barley Twist Cane 85cm
Antique Hand-Carved Ebony Walking Stick Dog Head Handle Barley Twist Cane 85cm. Up for sale is a striking, antique hand-carved walking stick, likely crafted from solid Ebony. This piece features a sophisticated, stylized dog head handle (reminiscent of a Greyhound or Whippet) and a beautifully executed spiral "barley twist" shaft. This is a high-quality collector's piece with a wonderful weight and natural patina. Handle: A hand-carved, stylized canine head with elegant, minimalist lines. Based on museum references of similar pieces, the recessed eye sockets likely originally held mother-of-pearl or glass inlays. Shaft: Features a traditional barley twist (spiral) carving that transitions into a smooth, turned section near the handle. Material: Heavy, dense black wood, believed to be genuine Ebony. 11 cm (L) x 7 cm (H).
This cane is in good antique condition with signs of age that add to its character. Handle: There is a notable age-related hairline crack/chip on the underside/side of the dog's head (see photos). Eyes: The original eye inlays are missing. General Wear: Light scuffs and "chipped bits" consistent with a functional object of this age.
Integrity: The threaded screw connection between the head and shaft is intact and holds firmly. Please review all high-resolution photos for a detailed look at the patina and wear.
This is a beautiful piece. The wood has that distinct, dense grain and deep luster characteristic of Macassar or African Ebony, and the stylized carving suggests an early 20th-century or late Victorian origin.