Antique 19th C. Carving Walking Cane Handle – Lady in Victorian Bonnet" For Sale

Garunteed Authentic

Measures 6.25"

​Historical Description & Dating Highlights

• ​Fashion Era (c. 1840–1860): The subject is rendered in the distinctive costume of the mid-19th century. Her high-crowned poke bonnet reflects the height of Victorian headwear fashion, which dominated American and European women's style from the 1830s through the 1850s before declining in the 1860s.

• ​Maritime Origin (c. 1840–1880): Carved during the Golden Age of Whaling (spanning roughly 1820 to 1870), this piece exemplifies true American folk scrimshaw. Whalemen away on multi-year voyages routinely carved portraits of women—inspired by loved ones or fashion plates from 1840s publications like Godey's Lady's Book—into raw marine ivory or tooth tips to take back home.

​Detailed Carving Breakdown

• ​The Poke Bonnet: The brim extends in a wide, dramatic arch over the face, capturing the strict, sun-shielding "horseshoe" brim geometry popular in the 1840s. Delicate hand-stippling along the inner edge mimics the ruffled lace or gathered silk linings popular on high-style 1850s bonnets.

• ​The Collar & Bodice: The lower section displays a square-cut cape collar adorned with pin-punched geometric latticework, capturing the pleated day-dress styles worn between 1845 and 1860.

• ​Material & Inscription: Carved from the tip of a tooth/tusk with its natural pulp cavity visible at the base, the piece shows authentic longitudinal aging (checking) typical of organic materials from the mid-to-late 19th century. An period artist or collection mark ("J.") is written in ink inside the base rim.