Articulated Duck, System Walking cane, France circa 1900

The fruitwood handle is 7cm high x 8 cm to the side x 4 cm wide, it is naturalistically carved in the shape of a duck head with a delicately engraved en coloured feathers coat, and a pair of inset glass eyes. The lower part of the beak is hinged and can be articulated with the lever under the chin, once depressed, the duck opens his beak to show its long tongue. Be it a glove holder cane or a come-on wink toy of a Don Juan who wanted to catch the attention of a person and flirt discreetly, this cane is surely an amusing, one-of-a-kind item, the mechanics work very well, it is on top of a turned horn collar, with a smooth partridge shaft and a bimetal ferrule. The O.L. is 87 cm and without chips or cracks, it is in perfect condition. 

Moving objects, fascinate children and adults from old times, during the 19th century also found their way into canes, it were a prime source of entertainment, being to catch the attention of a lady or just to entertain children

In Native American myth, the duck acts as a mediator between the sky and the water, and it was one of the creatures that helped renew the earth after the Flood. According to Hebrew tradition, the duck symbolizes immortality, while in China and Japan it represents a commitment, marital bliss and fidelity. *Book of symbols.

Antique Walking Cane Collection Antiker Spazierstock Sammlung Antique Canne Collection Antiek Wandelstok Verzameling Antico Bastone Collezione Античный трость коллекции Baston Antiguo Coleccion