Canes, walking and shooting sticks, 19th century

comprising a stick topped with a polished ram horn, a repoussé silvered metal and ebony cane, a Malacca cane with a pewter finial cast in the form of a whippet, a stick concealing a small wood saw, with leather cover by Jowen's, a gold topped cane, 19th century, a silver mounted cane engraved 'Lord Pitsligo's Cane' and 'GW 1755', a Japanese carved hardwood stick concealing a polished steel spike, a Japanese leaf carved polychrome decorated bamboo cane, a painted cane, distressed, a silver topped cane engraved '1707/R.S./J [?]' mounted on a figured wood shaft, a gilt-topped knopped cane, engraved 'JW', an oak stick branded 'James Moore', a leather covered knopped example, a Maori carved wood and abalone inlaid cane, late 19th century, an ebonised and silver-metal topped swagger stick, a section of branch polished as a stick with a metal cap, six damaged sticks, two bentwood shepherds crooks of varying size, four aluminium and leather shooting sticks, a modern umbrella by Premier, four Victorian leather whips, some damage, a stick with a concealed rod, distressed all held in an Edwardian pine chamfered wood stick stand with three divisions together with a Victorian polished cast-iron mounted Ailsa Craig granite curling stone (qty)

A very decorative group. All of the sticks with old marks and scratches. Gallery inspection recommended. Many are tired and dirty. Gold topped example with much wear and repair. Whips distressed. Curling stone with wear from play and handle corroded. Some of the canes are of family and historic interest. Pine stand with wear from age and use.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The unusual carved Maori stick set with abalone was most probably acquired by George Forbes in the June of 1896. At this time he toured New Zealand, arriving in Wellington via Egypt and Australia. Having set sail in April on board the RMS Orotava from Tilbury docks in London. His tour was largely work related as he was exploring opportunities for developing his hydro-electric turbines. New Zealand's vast resources presenting the perfect opportunity. During his trip he found time to attend an auction of 'Maori Relics' at Harcourt's Rooms in Wellington on the 24th June 1896. At this auction he acquired several objects and was clearly interested in Maori culture.