Lot 4
  • 4

GUY OSWALD SMITH'S CANE COLLECTION, LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY |

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • the first example 95cm. long, 3ft. 1½in., smallest 73.5cm. long, 2ft. 5in.
comprising a malacca example with a carved boxwood terminal in the form of a man's head with glass eyes; a malacca example with a carved ivory terminal in the form of a hare with glass eyes; a malacca example with a carved ivory terminal in the form of a grotesque mask; a Japanese malacca example with a silver collar and carved ivory terminal, London hallmarks, Brigg of London; a French malacca example with a silver collar and carved polychrome decorated ivory terminal in the form of a duck's head with glass eyes; an ebony example with a carved ivory terminal in the form of a fox dressed as a monk; an ebony example with a cast resin terminal in the form of a man's head; a mahogany example with a carved ivory terminal in the form of a roaring tiger; a nobbled cane with a carved ivory terminal in the form of Punchinello; a carved rosewood and ivory mounted example with the terminal in the form of a carved lion's head mounted with glass eyes; a rosewood example with a spherical terminal of banded agate; a carved wood riding crop with an engine-turned gold terminal together with a knopped wood example with a gilt metal collar engraved 'H.M.S FROM E.C.E.S [Evan Cadogan Eric Smith] / HERLY WOOD / 1917' by Brigg of London; a palmwood example with a silver collar engraved 'H.F.O / JUNE 1914'; a malacca example with a silver collar and ebony handle engraved 'LINDSAY E. SMITH' by Brigg of London; a hardwood example with plain silver finial; a plain bentwood example; a figured wood example with a silver collar engraved 'E.C.E.S', by Brigg of London; a carved teak example with a terminal for use as a garden implement (regd design 689194); a softwood crop with silver collar and terminal engraved in manuscript 'Nancy [Smith] From Uncle Maurice [Maurice Oswald Smith 1866-1928] 19/11/02' with a late Victorian turquoise glazed stick stand by Burmantofts, 19th century, the underside impressed 'BURMANTOFTS / FAIENCE / 576.A / ENGLAND / D' (63cm. high, 2ft. ¾in.) (21 pieces)

Literature

Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at 33 Grosvenor Street, 1904, possibly 'Inner Hall / [part] 56 Walking Sticks carved heads';
Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at Shottesbrooke Park, 1928, vol. I, probably 'Store Room / 2 bundles (14 walking sticks)'
 

Condition

In "country house" condition, some metal mounts tarnished, some ivory discoloured, minor chips and some with ingrained dirt. There are losses and dents from age and use as entirely to be inspected. Some of the canes in this group are really lovely quality. The ceramic stand has some obvious old repairs and traces of old glue from historic breaks. Some chips to this piece too.
"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."