Subasta Bidspirit | Rare 19th Century South Asian

Rare 19th Century South Asian Sword Cane with Elephant-Head Hilt, Silver-Mounted Grip - A highly unusual and finely mounted South Asian sword cane, likely dating to the 19th century, combining the appearance of an elegant walking stick with a concealed thrusting blade. The cane is fitted with a dark wooden shaft and an exceptionally decorative curved handle terminating in a stylized elephant-head form. The handle and adjoining mounts are richly worked with floral and scroll ornament in contrasting silver-toned metal over a warm coppery or gilt ground, with inset pale bone or ivory-colored sections providing additional contrast. The elephant-form terminal is further enhanced by scrolling metal elements beneath the grip, giving the handle a distinctly sculptural quality. The upper and lower mounts repeat the same dense floral decoration, while the concealed blade is long, narrow, stiff and sharply tapering, intended primarily for thrusting. A black woven wrist cord is attached at the throat of the blade assembly. The combination of zoomorphic handle, mixed-metal ornament, carved pale inserts and concealed blade makes this an especially decorative example of a South Asian sword stick or sword cane. Such pieces were often conceived as both luxury personal accessories and functional defensive weapons. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 36 1/2”, Blade length : 25 3/8”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.