Featured Nice walking stick

I have a nice antique walking stick . . .

This black (ebony or ebonized wood) walking stick is 35" long, and the head is 1 3/8" x 2 1/2". As you can see, it's a presentation piece dated Jan. 1st, 1874. Typically, what gold purity would've been common at that time? There are no markings on it to indicate if it's 14k, 18k, or better. Also, would something like this have been cast, or carved? I don't believe it's plated, as there is some wear, but no base metal shows through.

Any thoughts on value?

 

U sure about the no markings...they can be small....very small.
Is there a seam up the side that you can find..?

 

I can find no evidence of a seam, and no markings other than the engraving. I've examined it thoroughly with a good magnifier, and there's nothing.

 

I'm betting it's a combination. Odds are it was made in this country; it cost money to hallmark things so a lot of smiths didn't bother. OTOH if it's French or Portuguese it may be marked and the marks are so small you'll have a tough time finding them. The Portuguese are notorious and the French aren't much better sometimes.