Tula/Niello Canes

Tula, also called Niello, is an alloy made of silver, lead and copper adding a certain amount of sulfur. The mixture creates the typical grayish–black enamel like filling. Tula’s melting point (approximately 500° C) is significantly below that of silver at 800° C. In order to bring the Tula onto the silver, a pattern must be etched, engraved, or cut out of the work piece, leaving gaps. Using an open flame or oven, these gaps are then filled with the melted Tula. Obviously because the process is very difficult and time-consuming, this specialty is today almost extinguished. 1

1 Canes through the Ages antique cane auction catalogues, Nov., 1998-April, 2004