A French figural walking cane, attributed to the seventeenth century, featuring a finely carved iv*ry handle in the form of a nude bearded man. Concealed within the figure is a small snuff box accessed through a hinged plug at the rear, suspended by its original chain. The handle is mounted with a gilt metal collar to a malacca shaft fitted with gilt metal eyelets.

Illustrated as Figure 256, pages 194–195, in Vertical Art: The Enduring Beauty of Antique Canes and Walking Sticks, this unusual example reflects the humor and inventive craftsmanship of early European luxury canes. The cane is further published in Catherine Dike and Guy Bezzaz, La Canne Objet d’Art, Les Éditions de L’Amateur, Paris, 1988, p. 126, and formerly resided in the Collection of Catherine Dike, Switzerland.

Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 41in., long.

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Very good overall condition with light surface wear consistent with age and careful handling. The iv*ry carving retains crisp detail with an attractive aged patina. The concealed snuff box and attached chain remain intact. The malacca shaft shows scattered handling marks and expected age wear.