WALKING-STICK WEAPONS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 5, 19 January 1912, Page 2

WALKING-STICK WEAPONS.

Those who look with contempt upon a cane as a useless ornament and a harmless weapon evolved from the oM-time bludgeon, evidently do not know much about the condition of affairs in France, where the inof-fensive-looking walking stick may conceal the most dangerous weapon. In France, the carrying of arms is prohibited. On the other hand, the respectable citizen is frequently obliged to protect himself against the “Apaches.” For this reason, considerable ingenuity has been exercised in concealing within the otherwise inocent-looking walking . stick a most effective means of defence. To such an extent has this art been carried, that one need no longer look with contempt upon the well-dressed dandy twirling a light cane, for at a moment’s notice he may wrench off

the handle of his walking stick and blaze away at you with a six-cham-bered revolver. Should this fail to down the enemy, he may use the dagger projecting from the barrel of the revolver for short-range fighting. One of the accompanying illustrations shows a rifle that has been concealed in a walking stick. The rifle is provided with a shoulder rest, which may quickly be unfolded and applied. Another illustration shows a sword that has been drawn out of a cane, while still another illustrates a cane so constructed that a simple movement of the stick will bring out a bayonet from the upper end. There is one form of weapon that might be of service to the gentleman,' but we are inclined to think that it would bo of more value to the footpad. The stick contains an ugly black-jack, consisting' of a rubber whip Ijoaded with a heavy metal end. —“Weekly Telegraph.”