Walking stick - Silver, Wood

An antique Portuguese walking cane, made of wood with a reddish-brown tone, featuring a long slender shaft ending in a curved grip, of simple and elegant design. The end of the handle is enriched by an asymmetric, wrap-around molded application in Portuguese silver 833/1000, following the curve of the wood.

The silver piece bears Portuguese contrast marks, including Boar II, corresponding to the 833 thousandths fineness used in the period from 1887 to 1937, with the maker's mark also visible.

The combination of dark wood, smoothly polished surface and patina acquired through use, and the silver gives the cane a sober and distinctive appearance.

The wood preserves small marks, scratches, darkening, and irregularities typical of age and use. The silver also shows surface scratches, small marks, and oxidation consistent with its age. The silver cap/application is loose, showing play relative to the wood. These signs of use have not been concealed or restored.

Because of the presence of the Boar II contrast, this is an exemplar produced in Portugal between the late 19th century and the first third of the 20th century, representative of masculine personal accessories used in that period.

Object: Cane
Origin: Portugal
Materials: Wood and silver
Silver content: 833/1000
Contrast: Boar II
Period: 1887–1937
Height / total length: 88 cm
Condition: Good overall, considering its age