Gutta Percha, Carved Dog Head, Cane Handle, Circa Mid to Late 1800s

This gutta percha cane handle is a detailed carved head of a wolfhound with brown glass eyes. Even the teeth are carved out, and the details of the dog hair are intricate. The handle measures 4" in length x approximately 1.5" in height, not including the screw. The screw measures 1.75". The entire piece weights 3.7 ounces.

*****CONDITION: Please note there are areas of wear, particularly to the ears, back of head, and around the muzzle. This is commensurate with use. Heat, chemicals, and moisture may compromise the material. Please examine the photos carefully and do let me know if you need more as I'll be happy to oblige.

Gutta percha is considered a plastic made from the sap of an Asian tree and is, quite remarkably, also used in dental work. When rubbed vigorously, the piece emits an acrid odor.

This cane handle is from France and is circa mid to late 1800s when gutta percha was most often used for mourning jewelry and photo cases for early photographs. In the U.S., gutta percha was popularly used for cases that held Civil War photos.

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