Old Meerschaum

[alancairns]

Yesterday my wife was at her genealogy club. They have a "show and tell" activity, where they bring in articles of significance in their family history. A 75-year-old woman brought in this pipe, which she said had belonged to her grandfather, which makes it pretty old. My wife brought pictures of it home, knowing that it would interest me.
It is a very unusual horn shape, and has been very well smoked and coloured. I have never seen anything quite like it, so I wondered if the knowledgeable people here could shed any light on its provenance. It is possible that there is a hallmark on the silver band, but I don't have a picture of that.
Alan

Fixed the pictures for you-Uberam3rica

 

[cleidophoros]

Not an expert but it's probably a late 19th-early 20th century pipe, made in Austria most probably. Stem looks like amber; it was pretty common back in the day.

There would be a label on the inside of the case, looks like it's lost. Hallmark could help date/identify it.

I think it's impossible to say anything else about the maker etc.

Oh well, I wish I had something new to say..

 

[alancairns]

The pictures didn't come out as I expected. May I try again?

 

[uberam3rica]

You almost posted the pictures right. Next time you try to post a picture, do it the same, but instead of just pasting the link in the thread, click the button that says IMG. A box will pop up, put the paste the link in the box. Then post your thread. That being said, it's a wonderfully colored pip.

 

[uberam3rica]

I see now that you had reposted the pictures before I made that last post.

 

[alancairns]

THanks, Uberam3rica!

 

[jerry]

That's a beauty! Thanks for sharing those pics.

 

[yorkshirepipe]

That is one of the nicest coloured meerschaums I think I have seen! Have seen a few people's that have strange colour patterns, and some that have finger marks from holding the bowl in the same place every smoke. I know some prefer that, I am yet to smoke my meer, it looks so pretty and new on my drawers I don't want to ruin it!

 

[scottishjohn]

Ah Johnny, you need to smoke that meershaum. Nothing more worthless than a meershaum that has never been enjoyed for all of it's virtues. Well, maybe a gun that has never been shot could qualify. Maybe a vintage car that has never been driven, or a beautiful woman that has never been fully loved! They all need complete appreciation to fulfill their place in this world. Smoke it and enjoy it, It was not made just to be "white". :puffpipe:

 

[brian64]

Great pics...that's an impressive old piece...wonderfully colored.

 

[lifeon2]

You know there are artisan pieces out there that show a master carvers work but nothing quite says elegant like that pipe.

 

[pipedreamer]

I would be proud of that.

 

[craig94yj]

At least there is still true "craftsmanship" in pipe making today, but how can you not just be in awe of that beauty? I love it. Especially that it comes with a personal history and is not some random estate pipe.