A fine and unusual antique Austro-Hungarian meerschaum and silver mounted pipe bowl and shank; part of the diverse range of collectables at AC Silver Description
This fine and impressive large antique meerschaum pipe bowl and shank has been realistically carved in the form of an Austrian or Hungarian hussar head.
The facial features including a moustache, beard and sideburns have been realistically carved to the pipe bowl.
The pipe chamber is modelled in the form of a textured Hussar's headdress which is fitted with the original fine pierced decorated domed silver cover with a looped snake handle.
The upper part of the headdress has been carved with a material like pattern.
The pipe shank has been carved in the form of a scarf or neckerchief around the hussar's neck, with further patterned embellishments to the shank.
The pipe shank has an impressive plain hallmarked mount to which the stem would be connected..
This piece is housed in the original hinged leather and velvet lined case.
There are various stories regarding the first meerschaum pipe. It is acknowleged the first pipe was made in the late 1600's, yet the credit for its conception is given to several people: the King of Poland, Hungarian Count Agrassy and a relatively unknown French artist!
Until 1850 such pipes were made in Vienna, Paris, Turin and Budapest.
Initially meerschaum is white or 'bone coloured', but as it acts as a natural filter for nicotine, it yellows with use and the colour deepens to cream, pale orange or even leathery brown.
Condition
This impressive Austrian meerschaum pipe is fine quality, and in excellent condition.
The case is in very good condition apart from one of the hinged catches being missing.
Dimensions
Length 15cm/5.9"
Width 8cm/3.1"
Height to top of cover 14cm/5.5"
Box length 16.5cm/6.5"
Box height 15cm/5.9"
Video
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