 The Unholy Trinity (8377)
It is my opinion that these three canes are among the most important gadget canes in the world. I have put them together because they all do the same thing in a different way. They are best described as the name of the first one Redoutable, dangerous. They are the only weapon canes that have wounded me. In making it operate I cut myself quite badly. Redoutable is the only one that has been reproduced, I have seen two. The distinctive are a Swiss cross on the collar with a serial number. The shaft is wood engraved with wavy lines on the original, Malacca was used on the repro. The 3 French canes each have a rarity rating of 4*, and a value rating of C which is less than $6000 and more than $3000. Redoutable has razor sharp thorns, and came with a number of different handles. La Diabolique has a metal shaft with curved nails coming out the side to shred the hand of the attacher. Patented in 1892, the idea was, when someone attached you, you would push them away with your cane and when the cane was attempted to be pulled from the owners hand, it would inflict a huge amount of pain, allowing the owner to get away. The only handle I have seen on this one is stepped partridge. A simple tap on the floor makes it all go away.
La Terrible, patented in 1893, is the rarest one with razor blades. It is a combination of metal and wood shaft. The shaft has a bamboo style graining with a plane G.F. handle. Not having the original finish on the shaft, would strongly affect the value. How much I would have no idea. It took me 20 years to complete my set, and I have seen very few at any price. The first ones I saw were $2500 each, and I can remember myself saying, I would never pay that. It took me a long time to come to the realization if I wanted them I would have to step up to the plate. In the end I paid $3800 for Redoutable and La Diabolique, and $4500 for the same La Terrible I said I would never pay that for, 20 years later.
I’m told these were outlawed not long after they were made as being too dangerous, I have no way of proving if that were true. What I do know is that there were many people who felt a need to protect themselves, and that need is clearly illustrated in these canes Not only did they want to protect themselves, but they wanted to inflict as much pain on the attacker as they could. Dike page 302.
Category: Gadget
Sub Category: Weapon
Listed: 2006-10-29 20:29:10
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