Walking stick (2) - Wood

Set of two walking canes composed of: 1) walking cane or shepherd's staff, shaft in poplar or ash wood, handcrafted with a vintage nature. Curved dark handle (umbrella-style grip) for a comfortable hold in horn (probably ram or goat), leather strap. Condition: The item shows signs of wear and patina of time, indicating its historical nature. This type of handle (hook) is designed to be positioned around the neck or the hind leg (the back leg) of a sheep. This allows the shepherd to pull a animal from a shrub or to hold it still for medical care without causing injuries. The base (the ferrule): that rubber protection suggests the cane has been used a lot on hard ground or roads, not only on meadows. The cane dates back to the first half of the 20th century (the ’20s–’30s). Size: 88 x 10.5 x 2.5 cm. 2) Classic city/parade walking cane, typical of early 20th century style. Light root of bamboo, Whangee (usually the species Phyllostachys aurea) and not ordinary bamboo. Asset: Compared to normal bamboo, Whangee is much stronger, more elastic and difficult to work with, because it must be extracted, cleaned thoroughly and straightened hot without breaking the fibers. The Nodes: The “bumps” (rings) along the shaft are the plant's natural nodes. The grip is clad in pressed leather or stitched leather or hot-glued. If you look at the outside side of the handle (the vertical part, just above the bamboo graft), you can notice a longitudinal line proving a leather seam (stitch). The handle is designed to fit perfectly into the palm. This object has a bourgeois taste. It was the accessory that completed formal attire with a top hat or bowler. We are probably in the period 1900–1930, Italy. The handle is not smooth, but features swellings that imitate the knots of wood. This is a technique called “shaped leather.” It was often used to cover handles to give a warmer and more comfortable tactile feel than bare wood or metal. Size: 89 x 15 x 2.5 cm.