Vintage Folk Art Prisoner Of War Carved Walking cane

A most interesting & rare folk art walking cane. Most likely a prisoner of war carved piece. The carving depicting a huge variety of subjects.. Was the carver travelled and able to relate to so many subjects?

Clues to the origination are usually easy to identify by the subject matter. A naked female figure wearing a red hat within one carving Is the hat perhaps Tyrolean or early Italian? The name carved within a cartouche'Gino' suggesting Italian, Italian POW's were held in many countries.

The numerous snakes are of interest? There is a parrot a horse a mythical beast. Female figure, half female half beast? The ballet figures are interesting, beautifully carved & wearing an elegant little red tutu. How many POW's would have an interest in ballet?

The standard of carving is stunning, it's very hard to photograph to portray the quality of the piece as so many elements intertwine around the full circumference stick. The piece is additionally decorated with quality poker work. The wood appears to be extremely hard, not a piece that you would choose, had there been any choice! Due to the size, shape, and dimensions of the wood the head is carved in detail to one side, the other side simply left to show the knarred character of the wood.

So many clues but we cannot be sure of it's origin. Prompt dispatch - Safe packing. This item is in the category "Antiques\Woodenware\Walking Sticks/Canes". The seller is "djy1e-8" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom.

Primary Material: Wood/ Woodenware
Sub-Type: Root wood
Antique: Yes
Style/ Period: Folk art
Original/Repro: Original
Product: Walking Sticks
Product Sub-Type: Novelty walking sticks
Age: 1900-1940