JWB and his pipe!

[BettyO]

When you really peruse the photo of this walking stick, you will note how tiny and slim it is. Walking sticks were more for affectation by the "dandies" of the day. They were not meant to bear one's weight. The larger and sturdier canes served better for this. Walking sticks might make a barking dog think twice about getting close, but they really were more for show. I have seen a few walking sticks where the top knob lifts off and is attached to a small knife (a rapier?).

Laurie - You are very correct as to how slim and fragile these canes were. One like this, particularly because of the horses "hock" handle, makes me think that it could and would also be utilized as a riding crop.