This interesting and deeply carved sword cane originally hails from Japan and dates to the late 19th Century. Imported bamboo canes were the height of fashion and expensive (hence the large number of faux bamboo canes around). Bamboo then was not the common and cheap material that it is today. This cane would have been produced in Japan for export to Europe, probably to the UK and would then have had a Spanish steel blade added.
The upper half of the cane is carved with flowers on a stippled background. The lower half has a spiralling crosshatch pattern interspersed with spiralling lines. A brass and steel ferrule finishes the cane. The root ball handle is carved with stippled towers and encircling bands. The bamboo has a wonderful patina and colour.
The root ball handle is set with a Toledo steel blade. The 630mm un-fullered blade has a single edge and flat spine, terminating in a needle sharp spear point. The forte of the blade is decorated with a design that includes flowers that echo those carved into the body of the cane. At one time, the blade was plated but only traces of this remain. The blade is in overall good condition and free of rust, with a grey age patina. The blade fits nicely into the body of the cane and is held firmly within.
The cane has a total length of 860mm and is in excellent condition. The brass and steel ferrule has wear commensurate with age and use.
Disclaimer: All sword canes sold by Bygone Blades are sold as historical collectables. They are sold for decorative collectable purposes only. In the United Kingdom and many other countries, it is a serious criminal offence to carry a sword cane in public.
