Gilt Bronze Cane Knob Minstrel Head. Probably Northern Europe 18th Century.

The pommel is made of lost-wax cast bronze. It was entirely gilded with mercury, the gilding remains only in the most inaccessible places, elsewhere it has disappeared although it is of excellent quality because it is very thick. The friction of the hand has worn the pommel so much that the amatis of the decoration have also partly disappeared. The character represented has a Germanic or Anglo-Saxon type face, he is wearing a 15th-16th century troubadour hat of the "Robin Hood" type, a legendary character of the 14th century, who became very popular in England during the Renaissance. Very beautiful patina of the metal and excessive wear, moreover the pommel was reassembled several times on different barrels, at least 3 times, the 6 drilling holes attest to this. At the joint the metal is very thin. The face with its pronounced, disturbing character does not correspond to the cloying faces of the 19th century. It would appear that this type of "puzzle" cane could be used as a weapon of defense. There are several canes with similar subjects, but in porcelain, dating from the beginning of the 18th century. This is a rare cane of excellent quality, probably from the beginning of the 18th century. Good condition, no restoration or welding. 110x45mm.