I was not surprised when Holmes suggested that I should take my revolver with me. He had himself picked up the loaded hunting-crop, which was his favourite weapon.
– Dr. John Watson, The Adventure of the Six Napoleons
Thanks to Hans Dielemans for the above image of a loaded hunting crop from a 1914 “Manufrance” catalogue. The central crop features a “steel core, fully covered with braided leather with a lead filled head (and) can also be used as an implement of self-defense.”
Great! I saw the third type in one episode of “Sherlock Holmes” with Jeremy Brett yesterday evening. Holmes uses it very effective with a quick, powerful blow to disarm a bandit armed with a gun.
Excellent find, thank you for sharing! The hunting crop appears as a weapon throughout the Canon. Holmes used it to disarm the gun-wielding John Clay in “The Red-Headed League,” and Grimbsy Roylott shook his hunting crop threatingly at Holmes and Watson in “The Speckled Band” (just before he bent their fireplace poker as a message of intimidation. Holmes straightened it). It’s mentioned often in the Holmes stories, so it’s fascinating to see the self-defense purpose actually mentioned in this catalogue. Thanks very much!