[SILVER] - 19th/20th century - Walking Stick with a Silver Handle and Neo-Rococo Ornamentation (Belle Époque, Middle Class, Bourgeoisie, Men's Fashion)

19th/20th century — a walking cane with a silver handle decorated with a Neorococo ornament (Belle Époque)
A walking cane with a slender, straight shaft made of dark-stained and polished wood. The shaft exhibits natural variations in color in places, as well as transverse marks from joints or the wood’s grain. The bottom is fitted with a black protective cap, which is a later addition. A black wrist loop, also a later addition, is attached to the upper part.
The elaborate hilt, shaped like a transversely curved support, is—according to the information provided—made of silver. The surface is covered with an asymmetrical relief decoration composed of rocaille motifs, shells, volutes, leaves, and flowers. The ornamentation flows freely around smooth, convex panels, creating a play of polished and recessed surfaces characteristic of the Neo-Rococo style. The ends of the handle and the lower part of the ferrule are decorated with fine hatching and dot work. The decoration was likely created using the technique of embossing or repoussé, supplemented by chiseling.
On the lower ring of the handle, there are small, barely legible marks stamped into the metal.
The form and decoration correspond to the elegant walking canes fashionable at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, which served both a practical function and as a fashion accessory for a wealthy member of the urban bourgeoisie. The style of the handle allows the object to be tentatively dated to approximately 1890–1920.
Length: 85.5 cm
Condition: as shown in the photos.