Virtually since the dawning of history, walking sticks have been wielded for utilitarian purposes, and since the 17th century, they emerged as stylish fashion accessories in their own right. Yet, when one thinks of a walking stick, it is often the dapper gentleman that comes to mind, complete with tophat and tails. Yet, this timeless accessory offers a chic addition to the wardrobes of both men and women alike. For women in particular, the right walking stick can add charm and grace to both one’s ensemble and one’s stature. The highly detailed floral motif is the perfect complement to the sleek ebonized wood shaft In many ways, the walking stick is the ideal reflection of etiquette, elegance, and pure sophistication. Emerging as “the fashion” in the 17th century, canes became a part of a woman’s daily attire. In the elegant Victorian era, any poised and distinguished woman would not enter into the public arena without this stylish accessory. Consequently, the walking stick became a prevailing symbol of taste and class. The more feminine walking sticks were meticulously crafted and designed to reflect the female qualities of sophistication and delicacy. As walking sticks became more fashionable and en vogue for women, designs became more and more elaborate. Scrambling to appeal to the stylish women, artisans crafted increasingly ornate and luxurious designs to adorn their walking sticks. Falling under the influence of new artistic trends and innovative styles, these canes featured extravagant designs from elaborate enameling to jewel-encrusted knobs by specialized jewelers and artisans. Painted Porcelain… This elegant cane features a rare KPM Berlin porcelain handle of exceptional beauty and craftsmanship Considered one of the greatest and transformative eras in history, the Baroque artistic movement embodied ideals of extravagant and curvilinear properties. This new style put on display extravagant ornamentation, influencing surrounding artisans to follow in its footsteps of movement and emotional exuberance. The KPM Berlin porcelain factory adhered to these new tendencies and produced feminine walking sticks topped with porcelain knobs of veiled maidens to match the elegance and delicacy that its female patrons exemplified. A gorgeous purple amethyst takes center stage in this elegant cane handle by Fabergé Floral Canes… The flamboyant, ornamental trends of the Rococo artistic movement inspired an entirely new era of women’s style in the fashion world. For any sophisticated lady’s wardrobe, new styles now featured striking patterns that exuded a sense of elegance and playfulness. One of the most powerful decorative elements at play were exaggerated floral designs and motifs that had never been seen before. For the most fashionable ladies, these foliate designs embellished all different pieces of their finery, including walking sticks. Bejeweled… The dawning of the 19th century meant important and transformative things for ladies’ accessories. Bold statement pieces dripping with large colored gemstones became a lady’s choice jewelry piece. Prominent designs firms, particularly Carl Fabergé, sought to match these new trends with accessories that imbued extravagance with strong feminine influences. Topping walking sticks with precious gemstones and exquisite regal details, such as guilloche enameling and gold, Fabergé was able to appeal to the female taste for finery.
This elegant style that reflects your finer tastes with materials specifically selected to offer a unique, balanced walking (and if the time comes, self-defense) experience. Spring, button-lock mechanism secures the blade safely and ensures quick retrieval should the need arise 課メ better than friction locks that wear quickly, and twist locks that waste valuable time. This is a dependable, real sword cane that will last. Exceptional quality and value in a walking companion. The contoured, buffalo horn adds to the refined appearance and makes for a very comfortable handle. Fiberglass shaft with black finish. The fit and finish will surely make you the envy of the other chaps at the club. Non-slip rubber tips. Fully tempered, high carbon steel blades.
Inspired by the English spy craze of the sixties, our fully functional sword umbrella evokes images of dashing agents. The extremely high quality European umbrella design is mated perfectly to a fully functional, 28-3/4" high carbon steel rapier blade that has a superior temper. Secure button-lock opens the umbrella and a separate one releases the fine blade. Dependable in a storm or in a pinch, this unique umbrella is for those of you who want to feel what it was like to be on Her Majesty's Secret Service or just stylishly dodge the rain. 37" overall. 50" diameter umbrella spread. Rubber non-slip tip. Leather grip.
Flute and dulcimer cane, 1880. French botanist cane, 1880. Gambling stick with spinning ball, French, 1880. Games cane, French, 1890 Looks like a spinning top and a set of marbles. Golf club cigarette cane. Mandarins cane - sake cup, chop sticks and mat. 1880 Match vesta, pencil, coin holder and toothpick cane. Opium pipe cane. French, 1870. Pin fire gun cane French clay pipe cane, 1870. Pool stick cane. Saw cane, English, 1890. Self arming pepperbox stiletto cane. French, 1890. This one isn't a gadget cane but its very beautiful being made of silver and a quartz stone. Silver container stick. c. 1900. Here's a snuff box cane from around 1890. Stiletto cane. English, 1870 Three canes by Tiffany & Co. Above: a Nast eagle cane inspired by the work of Thomas Nast, considered the father of the American political cartoon. Below: a cane of silver and ivory and a silver tipped clock cane. These whip canes were used by the high class ladies at French bordellos.
TAD Gear is offering this survival staff for around $300. Its not my idea of a walking stick, but I'll admit it caught my eye. [IMG] [IMG]...
This week’s post proves there’s a book out there for any combination of interests. While I blog as the Secret Victorianist, writing about ...
Are you a new antique walking cane collector who wants to learn more about the various types of walking canes? It may be difficult to decide which ones to buy d