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This is a beautiful and striking antique Victorian ormolu and agate walking stick, circa 1860 in date.
It features an elegant ormolu pommel decorated with fine scroll engraving above a faceted polished agate cane on a tapering ebonised shaft.
It is a lovely item and as such would be appreciated by any collector of walking sticks.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 91 x Width 2.5 x Depth 2.5
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 feet x Width 1 inch x Depth 1 inch
Our reference: 09670
Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
Ormolu - (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt.
Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its name comes from the Achetes River in Sicily, where Agates were first found. Usually banded in layers, or stripes, some varieties have "eye" markings, or specks of colour, some have fossilized inclusions, and others are solid. Called the earth rainbow, the concentric bands of Agate form in nearly every colour the earth can produce, including a colourless form. There are various types of agate like: Blue Lace, Crazy Lace, Dendritic, Fire, Laguna & Moss.
Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Its medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia. Agate sparked a world renowned stonecutting and polishing industry in Germany that flourished from the 15th to the 19th century, and exists today.
Meaning: Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. Its warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. Agate stops the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 91 x Width 2.5 x Depth 2.5
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 feet x Width 1 inch x Depth 1 inch
Shipping:
We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.
A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.
To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE.
Delivery and return policy:
We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.
In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.
The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.
Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.
Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.
