GERMAN, PROBABLY SAXONY, DATED 1754 | Walking Stick with Scenes of the Labours of the Months

together with: a 17th-century engraved bone Saxon Miner's Axe, on a wood core with brass inlay, and with a metal axe-head, depicting animals, saints and scenes of the Passion, inscribed: G. S. 1665, further inscribed: INRI and: 265 in ink 

The condition of the walking stick and the miner's axe is very good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The walking stick: the gilt brass handle is loose and possibly associated. There is staining and veining to the bone, consistent with the material. There are some sightly open but stable joints between the bone panels. There are minor chips and scratches to the wood. The axe: the head of the axe is loose. There is some general wear and minor corrosion to the metal. There are minor chips to the edges of the axe head. There are remnants of old sticker labels to both sides of the axe head. The head is slightly warped. There are losses to some of the bone inlay on the bone and wood shaft, including to the small circular bone disks, and in particular to one leaf shaped bone panel above the panel with the squirrel. There is stable splitting to the wood and to the bone panels, including some slightly open bust stable splits, such as to the panel with the Virgin. There is tarnishing to the brass inlay. There is some minor corrosion to some of the nails holding the bone panels in place, which has led to reddish staining to the bone panels. There are two plugs to the bone panel on the underside.
"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."