Bought this from an English gentleman. Was listed as an Imperial Russian Eagle mark. I only have one Meerschaum to my name so this looked like a nice specimen. The case is in good condition. The hinges are solid, the clasp works properly and the leather is in good shape. The stamping inside certainly looks like the double-headed eagle with the scepter and orb. I cannot make out the center markings. Certainly looks like the Imperial Russian mark as far as I can tell.
The pipe is in great shape with just some minor marks on the rim and sides. The silver band has the British Lion mark, the Chester sign and the M which matches an 1895 date. The silversmiths initials appear to be H?T. The tenon appears to be made of wood with a relief cut to allow it to fit into the mortise. I assume the mouthpiece is amber? The airway through the shank was plugged and required some careful drilling to the right size. Other than that it appears to be a very nice pipe for being 124 yrs. old! Any thoughts on the Russian mark? Any ideas who could have made it? Thanks, Hoppes.
The pipe is in great shape with just some minor marks on the rim and sides. The silver band has the British Lion mark, the Chester sign and the M which matches an 1895 date. The silversmiths initials appear to be H?T. The tenon appears to be made of wood with a relief cut to allow it to fit into the mortise. I assume the mouthpiece is amber? The airway through the shank was plugged and required some careful drilling to the right size. Other than that it appears to be a very nice pipe for being 124 yrs. old! Any thoughts on the Russian mark? Any ideas who could have made it? Thanks, Hoppes.