 Perpetual Calendar In Ivory (8869)
This is an early piece and the workmanship is terrific. You just can't stamp numbers in ivory. They have to be hand engraved, a real skill. Then the numbers have to be spaced evenly around the circle. The little knob on top has to lock the 2 circles that turn, so they won't turn when walking. The cover is ivory threaded and works well. There is a crack in the ivory stem, which often happens when ivory is over wood or metal. Ivory is just like wood it breaths, it moves, it warps, it cracks when dropped if it is not thick. When you drill a hole in the bottom of ivory, and put a wood shaft inside, two things happen. When wood gets wet it expands, cracking the ivory, and when wood freezes, it expands cracking the ivory. Ivory on opera glasses is almost always cracked because the brass frame under it doesn't expand or contract, but the ivory contracts in the heat from the sun and expands from mosture, both cracking the ivory, because of the rigid base of the metal. The best way to put on a ivory cane handle is to both thread the handle and the shaft with a loose fit. Cracks in ivory certainly affects value, how much depends on where and how large. The crack in the stem doesn't bother me as the rest of it is near mint.
It has a beautyful 6" ferrule, but its a reproduction. That bothers me more than anything, as I like original ferrules. You know how I can tell, the bluing. Look at the black on the brass, its not how authentic looks. If you don't know what bluing looks like, buy a bottle at any gun shop and try it on brass. I still think it's a wonderful cane, based on the fact I have never seen another one. I think its from the 1820's, but have no proof, because of the replaced ferrule. I think the ferrule is the best place to begin to play cane detective. After nearly 40 years, what I seem to know best is, what I haven't seen. What if I have Alzheimer's
and I have forgotten that I haven't seen it. Wouldn't that be something.
Category: Gadget
Sub Category: City - Manufactured
Listed: 2006-12-05 00:01:18
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