C009 - Collector's item: a whangee riding crop with antler handle and silver collar.
Length 32.5 inches (83 cm)
This came from another Cotswold antique shop, where it was described as a "walking stick c.1900".
I wouldn't argue with "c.1900", and it may be possible to use it as a short walking stick/cane purely as a fashion accessory, but to my mind it started life as a riding crop. Judging by the length, maybe a hunting crop (but I hardly know one end of a horse from the other, so don't take my word for it).
The handle is red deer antler cut in typical riding-crop style. The whangee cane shank is well patinated and darkened with age. It's slim and flexible, not much use as a real walking stick, but presumably fine for its intended purpose.
The plain collar appears to be silver, but there is no hallmark.
Here are some shots of the whangee shank. On the right, you will see the tip appears to have been fitted with a ferrule
at some time (I pulled the little nails out of the holes). Since losing the
ferrule, the tip has lost maybe 1/2 inch in length, possibly due to wear and
tear while masquerading as a walking stick. This is where my problems start - should I restore this item as a walking stick
or as a riding crop? I could fit a walking-stick-type brass ferrule or antler
tip, or I could add a flap of leather to restore it as a usuable crop.
The problems continue here. Although it's traditional with riding crops, a
stickmaker would not normally leave the cut surfaces of antler exposed like
this, but would cover them (and enhance the stick's appearance) with capping of
a contrasting material, e.g. black buffalo horn. Without such capping, the
honeycomb-like "pith" inside the antler is exposed. This stuff absorbs dirt and
muck, to my mind spoiling the appearance of the handle. On the other hand, if I try to clean it up, this means sanding down the
surface, destroying the patina and reducing the cane's attraction as an
antique.
The silver collar is loose. This has obviously been the case for many years,
and the slight movement has gradually stretched the metal over the base of the
handle so there is now a slight gap all round the top of the collar. For the
moment I have arrested this process by running a little glue into the gap. This
may be all that's required if it's to be regarded more as an antique than a
useful artefact. I could fill the gap entirely with epoxy resin pigmented to
match or contrast with the antler, creating a thin ring of colour around the
joint - but again this requires a decision on whether or not to preserve the
original appearence.
Because of the different and mutually incompatible alternatives available, I have decided to present this item in largely unrestored form. Upon purchase I will be happy to complete the restoration (or not) according to the purchaser's wishes.
The price below would include any of the work suggested above, but any leatherwork involving the services of a specialist would cost extra (a simple leather flap should not be a problem).
SOLD