Italian-Made Cased Meer Mystery

[Humblepipe]

I just received this pipe. It's an odd one... Italian writing on the inner case, but designating Vienna as a location associated with the pipe and/or the tobacconist? I can't quite make out the name on the inner-case, "Augusto Vaccan..." ???? "GENOVA" is clearly signed though...

The silver band is stamped "STEHR", which does not sound Italian to me LOL. The pipe has an orific bit.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Looks like “DI ART.” following the name.

 

[Humblepipe]

Looks like “DI ART.” following the name.

With an understanding we are trying to guess what's there...
'AUGUSTO VACCAN DI ART'?

 

[TheIronMonkey]

There was a 19th Century importer of glass and pearls in Venice named Augusto Vaccari, but I don’t think there was any link to Genova/Genoa.

 

[Humblepipe]

I have poked around some and even studied this obscure reference (thanks, @Ahi Ka). I am not finding anything...

 

[Humblepipe]

There was a 19th Century importer of glass and pearls in Venice named Augusto Vaccari, but I don’t think there was any link to Genova/Genoa.

Some careful clean up and voila... Augusto Vaccari it is.

 

[jguss]

Augusto Vacarri was one of Art Vandelay’s many pseudonyms. By some estimates Vandelay’s workshop, under one name or another, was responsible for fully half of the greatest meerschaum pipes produced in the 19th century.

 

[Humblepipe]

After a little clean up...

 

[Humblepipe]

Augusto Vacarri was one of Art Vandelay’s many pseudonyms. By some estimates Vandelay’s workshop, under one name or another, was responsible for fully half of the greatest meerschaum pipes produced in the 19th century.

Thank you, @jguss! I always appreciate your assistance with solving these mysteries. Best to you...

 

[Ahi Ka]

 

[PipeIT]

I see you are now a proud member of the @condorlover1 Codorlover Cutty Club.

Nice pipe and history, enjoy!

 

[Humblepipe]

I see you are now a proud member of the @condorlover1 Codorlover Cutty Club.

Nice pipe and history, enjoy!

A repeat offender LOL. @condorlover1 recruited me a few years back.

 

[jguss]

A repeat offender LOL. @condorlover1 recruited me a few years back.

I hate to tell you but nowadays that’s called grooming.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

I hate to tell you but nowadays that’s called grooming.

He lured me to his windowless van with promises of War Horse Bar and Condor Plug.

 

[Humblepipe]

He lured me to his windowless van with promises of War Horse Bar and Condor Plug.

View attachment 302185

Hilarious (the van reference)! What's not funny is those beautiful old meers. Wow!

 

[Humblepipe]

For the record @jguss was making a Seinfeld reference with the "Art Vandelay". I was being an 'airhead' for a moment there LOL.

 

[Uguccione]

but designating Vienna as a location associated with the pipe and/or the tobacconist?

"alla città di Vienna" It sounds like a dedication or homage, as if the craftsman had dedicated the pipe to the city of Vienna.

 

[Humblepipe]

"alla città di Vienna" It sounds like a dedication or homage, as if the craftsman had dedicated the pipe to the city of Vienna.

You might have something there...

 

[Ahi Ka]

"alla città di Vienna" It sounds like a dedication or homage, as if the craftsman had dedicated the pipe to the city of Vienna.

I took that as meaning the meer came from Vienna

 

[mortonbriar]

He lured me to his windowless van with promises of War Horse Bar and Condor Plug.

View attachment 302185

I just want to know how you go the leopard to stay still for the photo!