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Family History Documents and Artefacts => FH Documents and Artefacts => Topic started by: Charlie J on Wednesday 14 January 15 18:15 GMT (UK)
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Hi there
I'm looking for information on a cane sword which has been in the family for some time but I would like to find out approximately how old it is, so I may be able to work out who origionally bought it.
There is no writting on it but there is a faint logo on the top of the blade which is very hard to see. The logo appears to be a different metal. I don't know what type of wood is used in the cane but it is well marked from use. The metal (appears to be tin) tip is also well scuffed and turned up ar the very end from use.
(http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa420/Opelgt66/Tree/IMAG0690_zpsa2fc521a.jpg) (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/Opelgt66/media/Tree/IMAG0690_zpsa2fc521a.jpg.html)
(http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa420/Opelgt66/Tree/IMAG0691_zps34e52894.jpg) (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/Opelgt66/media/Tree/IMAG0691_zps34e52894.jpg.html)
Help appreciated, thanks.
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Nice stick Charlie, presumably malacca cane,
http://www.antiquecanes.com/news.php
Skoosh.
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Not sure what part you consider to be tin?
This one looks similar; http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ej9/
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Thanks for the replys guys.
Not sure what part you consider to be tin?
The floor end of the cane as opposed to the handle. To me it just looks like tin but I could be wrong. It's certainly not a precious metal. The blade is 65cm long, the handel is 11cm and the cane is 85cm.
Is there any recommendations for an expert I could bring it to in Ireland to find out a bit more about it?
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Could be tinned steel on the tip, stop the cane wearing out or splitting. Sorry I cannot help you with any experts in Ireland but maybe an auction house might help, they usually have a wide knowledge base or would know of someone.
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Thanks, I will give them a try.
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I'm going to suggest that the wood is walnut. :)
Is the pattern on the blade inlaid or etched?
A lot of similar items online:
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7016026
This style probably spanned a number of eras, but there may be some detail about yours which will narrow down the time frame.
It's very nice. :)
Added: looking again, I expect the others are right and it is Malacca wood, however the wood is quite grainy.
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Hi Ruskie
In my amateur capacity I agree, it looks to be walnut.
The pattern does seem to be inlaid.
If I could narrow it down to a decade or two I would be happy.
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It looks like there is something written on the blade near the hilt, also some wording carved into the wooden handle.
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I think you need to go over it with a fine tooth comb looking for marks and examining the marks youngtug has found. Don't over clean it though as you might spoil it. Do a bit of googling to see if you can find out what is recommended you clean it with. I personally would just give it a bit of a wipe rather than using anything abrasive on it. ;)
You might need to track down an expert to date it accurately - they seem to have been around for years. Illegal in some places due to being a concealed weapon so just be careful you don't get it confiscated. Correspondence via email and some detailed photographs might be advisable. :)
Keep in mind that your family member may not have purchased it from new so knowing it's age may not help identify it's original owner. :-\
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Personally I would use Brasso to clean the active rust off but be carefull not to remove the etched wording. The deeper pitting should be left alone, trying to remove it will dramatically reduce the value. Once cleaned it should be greased, vaseline is ok.
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The inlay on the blade is a some sort of design rather than wording. I have goone over it in detail and there are no other identifing marks or wording. An initial would have been great.
As for cleaning, I have resisted trying to clean it as I prefer it as is. Most of the rust is just surface.
I hadn't considered it being secondhand when an ancestor aquired it. I would like to think not but what can you do.
I'm aware of the legality of them, or lack of. For transport I think I might be ok if it's proved it couldn't be used. Ie well wraped up. It's been easier to understand the laws in the UK but in Ireland they're not so clear. If it's over 100 years old I think I'm OK. An appropriate expert should clarify that.
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I'd hate you to be taking it on the bus to be valued only for you to get pulled up and have it confiscated. ;) That would be heartbreaking, especially as it is a family piece.
A local museum might be able to put you in touch with a local expert.
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http://mealys.ie/mealys-auctioneers-services/valuations-services-mealys-auctioneers.html
Link here for an auctioneer who has experience in this area
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It certainly looks to me like letters etched onto the blade between the hilt and the inlaid design.
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Thanks Ruskie, I will take advice before transporting it anywhere.
Thanks Conathy Calling. I will give them a shout and see what they say.
Youngtug. I will try to take a better picture of the inlay later. Maybe clear things up.
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(http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa420/Opelgt66/Tree/DSC_0014_zpsfb2a909e.jpg) (http://s1196.photobucket.com/user/Opelgt66/media/Tree/DSC_0014_zpsfb2a909e.jpg.html)
This is a clearer image of the inlay.
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I woulsn't use anything abrasive on it, a lick with WD40. Wonder if it's done the business, blood stains can last for a very long time. :)
Skoosh.
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I know the inlay is not wording, It seemed to me that there was lettering of some sort between the inlay and the hilt. It may not be, it may have been the pitting and my eyes.
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Sorry. I misunderstood. I had a closer look but couldn't see anything other than pitting and rust.
I hope to talk to someone about the cane over the next few days and will report back how I get on.
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My mistake, looks like a letter or something printed onto the blade;