Basque cane called "Makila" in medlar, horn knob and leather-covered handle (revealing a steel tip), at the end the steel clover, brass ferrule, inscription NERE BIDEKO LAGUNA (My traveling companion in Basque), signed by Maison Fayet** and dated 1909-1999 (commemoration of the founding of the House), from the 20th century.
This rod is in good condition. Superb quality.
Please note: slight scratches, slight dirt (especially on the brass) and wear and tear, take a good look at the photos.
or makhila is a walking stick doubled with a weapon belonging to the Basque culture and tradition. The makila (from the Latin bacilla) is the Basque walking stick and not a shepherd's staff, which was generally given to the adolescent to mark his entry into the adult world. The makila is a personal everyday object whose length must be adapted to the size of the person. It can also be offered as a sign of honor. The makila is made of several elements: The clover is a steel point; the stick is made of medlar; the ferrules are made of different metals; the handle is covered with braided leather straps or all metal; the strap is made of leather; the pommel is made of horn or metal shaped with a hammer; by unscrewing this handle, we discover the weapon, made of a steel point; the bottom ends with a clover. The makila bears, engraved, the name of its owner, a proverb or a symbol.
Founded in 1909, the Fayet house specialized in handles and shafts for umbrellas, parasols and hand canes, turned or carved, in horn or galalith. In 1927, the production of canes (curving) began, which would become the core of the activity from 1964. Still in the hands of the Fayet family, the company now produces 25,000 canes per year, with handles in the form of crutches, hooks, curves, mallets or milords, but also walking sticks, system canes (including the Makila adrelet), umbrellas and seat canes. The materials used are of course wood, but also plexiglass, horn, silver-plated metal, even solid silver, resin, bronze, leather and carbon.