Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Victorian Carved Meerschaum Smoking Pipe Hand Holding Skull Sculpture

¥9,331.00

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Experience a piece of history with our Victorian Carved Meerschaum Smoking Pipe. This rare 19th century piece features a hand holding a skull, expertly carved the maker is Monsieur J Sommer. Crafted from the finest Meerschaum, this sculpture adds character and charm to any collection.
It has been wonderfully hand carved in the form of a skull which is held in the grasp of an outstretched hand.
It has been rather well smoked to perfection since the 1880's late 19th century & a further feature to highlight is that the pipe has an amber stem with silver chased mount.
It also comes with the original case which is lined inside, the makers mark has worn away.
For a Meerschaum pipe this is the larger size being 20 cm in length, 7.3 cm high and 5 cm in width point.
Highly desired collectors piece.
Made from Meerschaum which is a clay like mineral that was used to make tobacco pipes, the word Meerschaum translates from German to sea foam, it is a rare is a magnesium silicate mineral with the chemical formula Mg₄Si₆O₁₅(OH)₂·6H₂O. Meerschaum is one of the most porous substances in the world, which makes it ideal for pipes because it absorbs tobacco's tars, oils, and nicotine. Meerschaum is mainly mined from Turkey and can sometimes be found floating on the Black Sea.
When the pipe is smoked you would see the light along with the porous mineral alter colour , which then gives the pipe its golden with amber colours. The sculptor who would of made this masterpiece would employ youths to smoke the pipe until the desired patina was added.
Circa late 19th century Victorian era.
Origin from France.
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Condition report.
Offered in fine used condition.
With charming patina to the pipe , scuffs, scratches, stains in places also some losses commensurate with usage & old age. The case has various wear, fading & losses also the hinge is missing.
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Dimensions in centimetres of pipe

High (7.3 cm)
Width (5 cm)
Length (20 cm)

Size of case

Length (23 cm)
Widest point (9 cm)
High ( 6.3 cm )