Bidspirit auction | (MONTEFIORE, MOSES). PERSONAL WALKING STICK

(MONTEFIORE, MOSES). PERSONAL WALKING STICK USED BY SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE. Anglo-Indian ebony, bone and silver walking stick, with handle in the form of an elephant. Silver band near handle with presentation engraving to Sir Moses. Small repair at handle. Length: 34.5 inches. This exquisite walking stick belonged to the legendary Jewish philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart. (1784–1885). Sir Moses was a renowned British financier, social activist, and philanthropist. He also served as the Sheriff of London, knighted by Queen Victoria for his civic contributions. The walking stick was presented to Sir Moses Montefiore by Mrs. Gurney in remembrance of her husband, the banker Samuel Gurney, Esq. (1786-1856). The silver inscription reads: “In remembrance of the late Samuel Gurney Esq., The esteemed friend of Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart, from Mrs Gurney.” The relationship between Moses Montefiore and Samuel Gurney is as follows: Sir Moses was married to Lady Judith Montefiore, whose brother-in-law, Nathan Mayer Rothschild, became a close business associate of Sir Moses. Together, they sought to break the monopoly held by Lloyd’s on marine insurance to which end they formed The Alliance Assurance Company, (today part of the RSA Group of insurance companies). To form this innovative venture they brought in a third partner, the prominent Quaker Samuel Gurney (whose sister was the famous prison reformer Elizabeth Fry). See Rothschild Archive Exhibition: https://www.rothschildarchive.org/exhibitions/celebrating_our_jewish_collections/badge_of_office_of_the_alliance_british_and_foreig n_life_and_fire_assurance_company_1824 And: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Gurney_(1786%E2%80%931856)