[Carlatigger1]

Hello,

I have just inherited a walking stick which has a silver knob dated, I think, 1927. The top of the knob features an interesting emblem which I have endeavoured to identify. I thought it might be military or masonic (it has that kind of feel!) featuring as it does intertwined elements which could be craft, trade or tool related, but have failed in all my endeavours. Can anyone here identify the emblem? The walking stick measures 34.5inches long and has a black ebonised finish. Silver top is 1.75-inches long. This has been driving me mad so any assistance you can provide is most welcome . Thank you, Janet

 

[dww2]

I'm no expert, but it doesn't look Masonic to me. My best guess would be someone or some company's initials (which appear to be BFI if I'm reading them correctly). Maybe have a look and see what companies in Birmingham, Bath, Brighton, etc. were around in the 1920s and had FI in their names.
Your best bet would probably be to consult one of the large auction houses there in the UK. They would more than likely have someone who was an expert in antique canes.

Good luck!

 

[valky307]

Regardless it's a really cool looking cane! If it was mine I'd definitely walk with it!

 

[BrooksP]

Yep, very nice.

I think it is far more likely that the monogram is the initials of the owner, added after purchase - it would make it very easy to pick out your stick from the stick stand at the gentleman's club!

The Victorians were very fond of monogramming things, you often see wooden boxes with a silver or brass plaque inlaid in the top with a monogram.

Hallmarks on the silver top are (I think) - 'C&Co' - a superscript 'o' with a full stop (period) underneath (see English silver hallmarks: British maker's marks identification C&), an anchor (the assay office is Birmingham), a lion (meaning it is silver), and a date letter which is far from clear but looks like it could be an 'h'. That might be 1907 (which would make it Edwardian), judging by https://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Dates/Birmingham/Date Letters H.html. It could be earlier - what is the style of the lion?

I wonder, did the manufacturer buy in the wooden stick and the silver top and assemble them, or did a silversmith buy in finished sticks to then add their tops to them? Or lastly of course the stick maker could have bought in the tops (less likely I feel). It would be interesting to know!