- 795
An American gold and hardstone-mounted walking stick and gold and harstone vesta case, probably San Francisco, dated 1866 and 1882
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- apparently unmarked
- Gold, hardstone, wood
- length of walking stick 36 3/8 in.; length of vesticase 2 3/8 in.
- 92.4cm, 6cm
the rosewood walking stick with steel tip and mounted with a gold knob engraved with flowers and presentation inscription, the top set with faceted gold-quartz; the vesta case engraved one side with a presentation inscription, the other side set with gold-quartz and translucent agate, the sides engraved with Greek key, the base with striker, the top set with gold-quartz
Condition
walking stick with scratches, dings and overall wear to wood and steel tip, the gold knob with some small dents to high spots; vesticase with minor dings, overall good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The inscription on the walking stick reads "S.P. Wells / From / A.A.W. / Feb. 7, 1866." The initials are for Austin A. Wells and Samuel P. Wells. Austin was the son of Samuel, who was a Master Mariner in the Port Warden's office, an appointment made by the Governor of California. The office was created to inspect and supervise port activities due to the large number of vessels sailing into the San Francisco Bay as a result of the 1849 Gold Rush. As Inspector of Vessels, Samuel certified ships as seaworthy on behalf of the Union Insurance Company of San Francisco to protect their investments.
The inscription on the vesticase reads "OTTO HUBER zur Erinnerung an Fritz Beringer, 1 Juni 1882."