Early 20th Century Hand Carved Italian Greyhound Walking Cane

Description

An interesting and fairly unusual figural Italian greyhound carved horn, knotty wood makila walking stick / cane. Handmade, dating to … more An interesting and fairly unusual figural Italian greyhound carved horn, knotty wood makila walking stick / cane. Handmade, dating to the early 20th century, engraved medlar wood shaft, the handle in the form of a dog head with inset eyes and moving pupils, one eye appears punctured, gilt silver embellished collar with open cartouche.

This walking stick is engraved "MISPEL" to the shaft, which translates from Dutch to medlar. Engraved medlar wood shafts were known to be used on makila walking sticks, and cut to length to suit its owner, this one likely of hip bone height. The makila is a traditional Basque walking stick. Some makila were used for ceremonial purposes, or given as gifts or awards, and were used as walking sticks or as a weapon for self-defense, and carried as staffs for shepherds.

Creating these sticks take years to complete. It begins in spring, with the craftsman selecting a suitable branch from a medlar tree and carving a design into the living wood. The branch is left alone until late fall, during which the wood heals and expands the design on its surface. The branch is then cut down, the bark is then stripped off and the shaft is straightened out using heating in a kiln. The stick must be dried for several years, then the wood is stained using a secret method, and then fittings are placed.

Provenance:
From the estate of Dr. James R. Lucie, a well-known knifemaker, retired physician and author. He had a several-year waiting list of people wanting to purchase his hand-forged knives at the time of his death and at one point, had the largest collection of knives and ironwork made by William Scagel. Dr. Lucie is the author of "Scagel Handmade," published in 2010.

Dimensions (approx):
33"H, 4"W, 1"D 0.50lbs less