Cane with three twisted snakes probably Eastern United States, circa 1860

whale bone.

Kristina Barbara Johnson, Princeton, New Jersey
Sotheby Parke-Bernet, "The Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, Part III," April 29-30, 1983, lot 434

"Voice of the Whaleman," Boston University, 1975
"Barbara Johnson Scrimshaw Collection," Nantucket Whaling Museum, Nantucket, Masschusetts, 1977
"The Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection and Scrim Sculpture by Tom Johnston," Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Conn., 1978
"Cross Currents: Faces, Figureheads, and Scrimshaw Fancies," American Folk Art Museum, 1984
"American Radiance: Highlights of the Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum," de Menil Gallery at Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts, October 15 - December 15, 2002
"Compass: Folk Art in Four Directions," New York, The South Street Seaport Museum, June 20-October 7, 2012

American Radiance: The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum, p. 330, fig. 294

Appears to be in very good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Serpent-head motifs were often used for cane handles; the cane with three twisted snakes is quite an extraordinary example. The shaft and three full-length intertwined snakes were carved from a single piece of whale skeletal bone.