Late 19th / Early 20th Century, Concealed Sword Stick, Four-Sided Steel Blade, Carved Hardwood Scabbard

*Late 19th / Early 20th Century, Concealed Sword Stick, Four-Sided Steel Blade, Carved Hardwood Scabbard*

An attractive late nineteenth or early twentieth century concealed sword stick retaining its original carved hardwood scabbard and long four-sided steel blade.

Externally, the piece appears as an elegant walking stick, the dark hardwood body fitted with engraved white-metal mounts to both the handle and scabbard. The mounts are decorated with geometric diamond and cross motifs, while the domed pommel bears an engraved numeral "3" within a diamond-shaped cartouche. The lower mount incorporates an overlapping decorative collar, and the scabbard retains its original metal ferrule.

The upper section withdraws to reveal a substantial four-sided steel spike blade of square section, designed exclusively for thrusting rather than cutting. The blade remains straight with a finely tapered point and displays several Roman numerals, including VI & VIII incised into its surface. These are unlikely to be maker's marks and more probably represent historic ownership, tally or inventory marks added during the weapon's period of use.

The hardwood scabbard is attractively finished with a cross-hatched carved grip section immediately below the mount, while the remainder retains its original smooth polished finish. The overall form combines practicality with understated decoration, resulting in an unusual and highly decorative concealed weapon.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length (in scabbard): 90.4 cm. Sword length (drawn): 85 cm. Blade length: 70.4 cm

History Note:
Concealed sword sticks have been carried for centuries as both walking aids and discreet personal weapons. While outwardly resembling ordinary canes or staffs, they concealed long, narrow blades intended for self-defence or ceremonial display.

Examples fitted with rigid four-sided blades differ from the more familiar sword canes containing slender sabre blades, being designed solely for powerful thrusting attacks. Such blades offered exceptional rigidity while remaining easily concealed within the walking stick.

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, concealed sword sticks were produced in a wide variety of forms using hardwood shafts, engraved metal mounts and hand-forged blades. Their practicality, craftsmanship and discreet appearance have made surviving original examples increasingly desirable to collectors of antique arms and unusual walking sticks.

*Condition*
Presented in good original condition with honest age-related wear throughout. The hardwood retains an attractive dark patina with expected knocks, scratches and handling marks accumulated through use. The carved grip section remains crisp. The engraved white-metal mounts exhibit honest age-related patination and wear, with the blackened finish to the domed pommel showing areas of flaking and loss consistent with age and use. The blade is straight and structurally sound, showing light staining, scattered areas of surface oxidation and evidence of age consistent with its period. The engraved Roman numeral markings remain clearly visible. The original hardwood scabbard remains solid and functional, retaining its original metal ferrule, which displays expected wear from prolonged use as a walking stick. Overall, the piece possesses considerable originality and displays well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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