- 111
AN UNUSUAL GROUP OF SEVEN MINIATURE WALKING STICKS
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- lengths 9.5-12cm, 3 3/4 -4 3/4 in
probably German, circa 1880-90
comprising four gilt-mounted ivory examples, each with tapering shafts and minutely carved details, the first as simulated vertebrae rising to a stout tusk handle, the second with skull handle, the third with handle in the form of a bulldog's head, and the fourth with simulated narwhal tusk rising to a horse's head handle; two others with tapering dark hardwood shafts with curly or angled blond horn handles; and the last with plain tapering ivory stem rising to a carved serpentine blackamoor head with turquoise-set chased gilt turban; together with a modern turned ivory and Perspex stand for eight sticks to fit
comprising four gilt-mounted ivory examples, each with tapering shafts and minutely carved details, the first as simulated vertebrae rising to a stout tusk handle, the second with skull handle, the third with handle in the form of a bulldog's head, and the fourth with simulated narwhal tusk rising to a horse's head handle; two others with tapering dark hardwood shafts with curly or angled blond horn handles; and the last with plain tapering ivory stem rising to a carved serpentine blackamoor head with turquoise-set chased gilt turban; together with a modern turned ivory and Perspex stand for eight sticks to fit
Condition
Excellent condition and beautifully made.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
With the possible exception of the blackamoor head, the form of these sticks would have been familiar in an age when walking canes and sticks were de riguer for any well-dressed gentleman. Refined and thoughtful, it was but a short step for the most intense of these individuals and their ladies to form collections of highly detailed miniature objects as a reflection of their own, somewhat eccentric passions. Fans, opera glasses and shoes and indeed the whole range of fashionable accessories were the inspiration for artists specialising in supplying objets de luxe for this very demanding market.