British Colonial Cane Carved Ebony Elephant Head Silver Ring Dr J. Dunlop Scn26obj010

British colonial ebony cane, carved with elephant head with silver ring attributed to Dr. J. Dunlop early 20th SCN26OBJ010

The overall characteristics of this beautiful cane, ebony, ivory, elephant motif, engraved ring, are part of a production linked to the British colonial world early 20th, between 1900 and 1920.

From South Africa, the highly worked twisted shaft corresponds to objects intended for a European clientele looking for pieces that were both exotic and refined.

The engraving on the ring, "Dr J. Dunlop" most likely refers either to a member of the DUNLOP family (tires), or to the cane of the famous Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop (1840-1921). In the early 20th century, DUNLOP set up in South Africa to exploit rubber trees and produce rubber.

This makes it unique and therefore uniquely rare ...

J.DUNLOP, founder of the DUNLOP company, tire production is therefore in contact with rubber exploitations in Africa, DUNLOP was originally a veterinarian, so the title of doctor is not contraindicated ...

The elephant decor refers directly to British colonial Africa.
Elegant and rare cane in solid ebony, with knob carved as an elephant's head, characteristic of British colonial production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The finely polished knob depicts an elephant's head and the outline of its body, with ivory tusks, ivory inlaid eyes, beautiful stylization of the head, with sober and powerful modeling

A silver ring, treated in the form of a belt with buckle motif, beautiful volumes, ensures the junction between knob and shaft. It is engraved "Dr J. DUNLOP", for Doctor J Dunlop, the silver is not hallmarked, but it is solid silver.

The ebony shaft is particularly remarkable, carved in a deep helical twist with wide, regular flutes running the full length.
With the symbolism of a tree trunk, worked in a spiral, a frequent motif in colonial craftsmanship destined for the European market.
The execution is clean, regular, unbroken, indicating meticulous workmanship, probably carried out by a high-level artist, handmade with a knife that took a considerable amount of time.

The cane ends in an ivory ferrule, in good condition, homogeneous with the other elements.

Total length: 88 cm

Together in very good overall condition, with sound wood, beautiful patina, slight wear to the tusks (consistent with age)
Slight crack on the birth of the pommel, without any severity...
Small lack at the end of the trunk.
Silver with some soiling, which the buyer may remove if desired, wood carving perfectly preserved.

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