AN UNUSUAL CARVED BONE HANDLED WALKING STICK, POSSIBLY 18TH CENTURY IRISH

AN UNUSUAL CARVED BONE HANDLED WALKING STICK POSSIBLY 18TH CENTURY IRISHThe cow or ox bone carved to top with mask, of armorial crest form, and carved in relief with crowned lions rampant, flowerheads a cat and a protruding face, on a later hardwood shaft with pierced endthe handle 11cms high, the overall length 72cmsIt has been suggested that this might be a form of Shillelagh or 'fighting stick'. However the presence of the naïve version of armorial bearings suggests an estate worked piece bearing the rough coat of arms for the estate's owner.Condition Report: Marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use.Some old splits and chips.Some old worm holes, not causing fragmentary losses.Where the bone has been secured to the stick, the nail has rusted and leached into the bone.The bone top with the expected loses, marks and discolouration.Please see additional images for reference to condition.Condition Report Disclaimer