How do I verify the authenticity of this cane? Can any British locals help?

Factual Questions
1

I was googling for blackthorn walking sticks and came across Bob’s Stickmaking Pages in Bedfordshire, UK. Specifically, here.

There I saw this ebonised cane dated 1867. For forty pounds, I almost want to buy it. How would or could I go about verifying its authenticity? Are there any local folk who can check it out for me?

Thanks much,

js_stick boy_africanus

2

No way that I can think to verify the provenance, but he admits that buying unseen is risky.

If you doubt his probity, try contacting the local trading standards people who will have records of any complaints:

http://www.hertsdirect.org/publicservs/consumer/tsherts/neighbour/tsluton

otherwise, caveat emptor :dubious: