United Kingdom
Alf C. Lucas

Mahogany, spruce, brass, ebony
Early 20th century
Length when assembled: 36 in; violin length 23.5 in
Strings – Lutes – Violin Family

Labeled: Alf C Lucas / Kingston upon Thames

This is a small violin or pochette enclosed within a walking stick (cane violin).  Novelty walking stick instruments were popular during the eighteenth and nineteen centuries, especially violins and flutes (a walking stick piccolo can also be found in this collection).  This walking stick fiddle was made by Alfred C. Lucas, who worked with his brothers Charlie and George making precision measuring instruments (boxwood & brass slide rulers, etc.)  They also dabbled in instrument making, including phono fiddles, banjos, viol da gamba, and this walking stick fiddle.