Witherell Auctions
Live Auction

Luxury Asset Auction 10/29/2026

Thu, Oct 29, 2026 07:00PM EDT
  2026-10-29 19:00:00 2026-10-29 19:00:00 America/New_York Witherell Auctions Witherell Auctions : Luxury Asset Auction 10/29/2026 https://bid.witherell.com/auctions/witherells/luxury-asset-auction-10-29-2026-23593
Witherell's Live Luxury Asset Auction, October 29, 2026, from the Sutter Club, Sacramento. 363 lots: Warhol's $9, a Peale portrait, a Stone Declaration of Independence, Rolex, gold, fine jewelry, California baskets and more.
Witherell Auctions Brian@witherell.com
Lot 330

American Sterling Silver Figural Gentleman Cane

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,500
Starting Bid
$500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

An American presentation walking cane, dated April 15, 1896, featuring a finely carved iv*ry handle in the form of a bearded gentleman wearing a broad-brimmed silver hat adorned with a feather. The iv*ry bust is mounted above a sterling silver collar engraved with an ornate script monogram and the presentation date, and is fitted to a bird’s-eye maple shaft.

 

The expressive carving and combination of sculpted iv*ry and silver reflect the highly decorative character of late nineteenth-century American presentation canes. Such canes were often commissioned to commemorate personal milestones or significant occasions.

 

Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.75 x 37in., long.

 

Shipping: Free Gardnerville, Nevada pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $80 plus 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). This lot cannot be shipped to California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Prospective bidders are responsible for determining the legality of purchasing or possessing this property in their jurisdiction.

 

Special Notice: Preview, pickup, and shipping for this lot will be conducted exclusively through our Gardnerville, Nevada facility.

Condition

Sterling silver mount with light surface wear and scattered minor abrasions consistent with age and careful use. The carved iv*ry handle remains well preserved with expected age toning. Bird’s-eye maple shaft retains its original finish with scattered handling marks. The engraved presentation date, monogram, and sterling mark remain clear. XRF analysis indicates the silver tests above .925 fineness.

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Acquired at auction in May 2001 as Lot 115. The Estate of Eddi Van Auken (1938–2024), Danville, California. Mrs. Van Auken assembled one of the foremost private collections of antique canes and walking sticks over more than three decades. Selections from her collection were published in the museum-quality volumes Vertical Art: The Enduring Beauty of Antique Canes and Walking Sticks and Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antique Walking Sticks.