Fine Sailors Snake-Wood Walking Cane (1800 to 1900 England)

Snake wood and Sperm Whale

Dr Johnson could not understand why a man should willingly go to sea, and indeed the life of a sailor spent crowded with his mates below decks only to be called aloft to the masts and yards in a howling gale at any moment would not have appealed to most 18th century literary men. A seaman's life remained barely durable until well into the 19th century, but scrimshanding was encouraged as a diversion aboard the long voyages of the whaling ships and it undoubtedly helped ease the boredom and frustration of the crew.

A Fine Sailors Snake-Wood Walking Cane
With a large carved sperm whale tooth ivory handle formed as a clenched fist holding a roll of command
An old inscription in ink on the back of the hand reading: 'Avignon Mrs Woolfield'
Old smooth patina
Circa 1840

Size: 87cm long – 34¼ ins long