A French figural walking cane, circa 1880, featuring a finely carved ivry bequille handle in the form of a mermaid with inset dark eyes, crossed arms, a laurel wreath in her hair, and a delicately incised scaled tail. A chased gilt metal collar joins the handle to a malacca shaft fitted with ivry eyelets.

This cane is illustrated as Figure 233 on page 175 of Vertical Art: The Enduring Beauty of Antique Canes and Walking Sticks, where it is identified as French, circa 1880, and documented with provenance to the Collection of Catherine Dike, Switzerland. The sculpture is an elegant interpretation of the classical mermaid motif, combining refined carving with the graceful proportions characteristic of late nineteenth-century French luxury walking sticks.

Dimensions: 1.25 x 4.75 x 37in., long.

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Good overall condition with light surface wear consistent with age and careful handling. The carved ivry handle retains crisp detail and an attractive natural patina. One forearm of the mermaid is missing. Inset eyes remain present. The gilt metal collar exhibits expected wear and oxidation. The malacca shaft displays scattered handling marks and light finish wear, with ivry eyelets intact.