Spazierstock-Geige (Walking-Stick Fiddle)
Musical Instrument / Decorative Art; Bowed lute integrated into a walking cane • Produced in Markneukirchen, Saxony, Germany (a major center for musical instrument manufacturing)
Style & Movement
Victorian Era / German Historicism; specialized 'Curiosity' or 'Novelty' instrument design
Medium & Technique
Varnished wood (likely maple and spruce), metal ferrules, ebony fingerboard, and gut or metal strings. Constructed using traditional lutherie techniques adapted for a cylindrical, narrow body.
Creation Period
circa 1870–1900
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 35–37 inches in length (standard walking stick height); cylindrical vertical format
Subject Description
The object is a functional walking cane that conceals or incorporates a violin. It features a curved wooden handle, a bridge, F-holes carved into the narrow shaft, and a fingerboard. It served as a fashion accessory for gentlemen travelers or street musicians, though the small sound box limits its acoustic resonance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the wood retains a high-gloss finish, the bridge is intact, and the metal components show minimal oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 – $5,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,000 – $4,000 USD
Provenance History
Ex Fiske Collection, Claremont University Consortium (via museum label). Likely originated from a workshop in the Saxony region of Germany for the export market.
Art Historical Significance
A rare example of 'gadget' instruments popular in the late 19th century. It represents the intersection of social fashion and musical craft, specifically reflecting the ingenuity of the Markneukirchen instrument-making cluster during its peak industrial period.
Notable Features
Includes characteristic F-holes synonymous with violin construction but adapted for a narrow diameter; includes a protective cap to hide the strings when used as a cane; associated with the prestigious Fiske Collection.
Condition Issues
Potential drying or minor hairline cracks typical of aged wood; string tension may require adjustment; minor surface wear at the tip (ferrule) from contact with the floor.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity (45-55%) to prevent wood splitting. Display out of direct sunlight to prevent varnish fading. Use a custom archival stand to relieve pressure on the tip.