We have tried - without success - to find silver date marks on the handle. The repousse style would indicate approximate age of 1870-1940, but without a date stamp we can't be certain. The handle is heavy sterling, which is likely filled w plaster, so it retains its shape. Often this plaster fails w age, but it is intact w this whip. The handle has some wear marks commensurate with age & use, but no dings. The initials "A.M.F." are engraved in a shield shaped cartouche within the design of the handle. The shield cartouche was a popular motif on whips, watch fobs & lockets from 1900-1940, so that is my best guess at the age of this whip.
The dark wooden shaft is approx 1/2" wide with no warping. The finish is trompe de l'oeil/faux painted w rings to simulate bamboo & it is in excellent shape.
The shaft is 32" long and the entire whip measures 37" to the end of the popper/tab. The popper is most certainly, a modern replacement, as the leather is in excellent condition and machine stitched.