Shagreen Telescope Cane

Covered entirely in luxurious emerald-hued shagreen, this cane houses a hand-held telescope within the shaft. Shagreen, or sharkskin leather, is a durable variety of hide used only for the most fashionable and valued objects of the 18th and 19th centuries. Covered by a characteristic network of tiny spines, the surface of the leather is ground and polished, producing smooth nodules that give the leather its luxurious appearance.

Late 19th century

35" length