Lot 168: An Anglo-Indian Carved Bone and Ebonised Wood Lion Mask Sword Cane, mid-20th century

A vintage Anglo-Indian "system" walking cane, designed as a concealed weapon. The handle is constructed in multiple sections, featuring a dark, polished ebonised wood or horn pommel surmounted by a brass cap depicting a lion’s head in relief. Below the pommel is a decorative collar of carved bone

featuring a traditional foliate motif. The handle terminates in a knurled and embossed brass ferrule that serves as the locking mechanism. The shaft is made of ebonised wood, tapering to a solid brass ferrule at the tip. This sword cane features a concealed 24-inch straight steel blade housed within the shaft, accessed by a twist-and-pull mechanism at the handle ferrule. Length 91 cm.