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Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
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Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held

  • This cane was a gift from famed stage actress Anna Held
  • It was gifted to New York Journal arts journalist William M. Dunlevy
  • It features an intricate gilt appliqué over silver, an L-shaped handle and a sleek wooden shaft
  • Get complete item description here
$3,450
Item No. 32-0363

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Description
Art Nouveau Silver Cane
Dated 1904

This elegant Art Nouveau cane, gifted by famed stage actress Anna Held to New York Journal arts journalist William M. Dunlevy, has both stunning artistry and fascinating provenance. It points to the pivotal relationship between one of the era's greatest performers and the press that helped cement her fame. Featuring intricate gilt appliqué over silver, an L-shaped handle and a sleek wooden shaft, it epitomizes the finest craftsmanship. . .
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Art Nouveau Silver Cane
Dated 1904

This elegant Art Nouveau cane, gifted by famed stage actress Anna Held to New York Journal arts journalist William M. Dunlevy, has both stunning artistry and fascinating provenance. It points to the pivotal relationship between one of the era's greatest performers and the press that helped cement her fame. Featuring intricate gilt appliqué over silver, an L-shaped handle and a sleek wooden shaft, it epitomizes the finest craftsmanship of the era.

Helene Anna Held (1872–1918), a Polish-born French-Jewish performer, was among Broadway’s brightest stars from 1896 to 1910. Discovered by impresario Florenz Ziegfeld, who brought her to America as his common-law wife, Held enthralled audiences with her Parisian charm and daring persona. Ziegfeld masterfully fueled her fame through sensational rumors—claims of daily milk baths or a surgically altered waistline—amplifying her allure and cementing her celebrity.

Held’s influence extended beyond tabloid intrigue, with her performances breaking records and inspiring Ziegfeld’s legendary Follies. While her relationship with Dunlevy is largely undocumented, this cane reflects the critical role of the press in shaping her public image and elevating her to global stardom.

Inscribed, “From Anna Held / Wm. M. Dunlevy / Oct. 23 - 04.”

35 5/8" length
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Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
Period: 20th Century
Origin: America
Type: Decorative
Style: Art Nouveau
Depth: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Width: 4.25 in. (10.8 cm)
Height: 35.63 in. (90.49 cm)
Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
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Art Nouveau Silver Cane, Gift from Anna Held
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.