💀 Carved 19th Century Meerschaum Pipe Hand Holding Skull

💀 Carved Antique 19th Century Meerschaum Pipe — Hand Holding Skull

🎨 Subject & Medium

This rare and captivating original 19th-century smoking pipe features a dramatic skull gripped tightly by a human hand — a bold and symbolic composition reflecting both artistic mastery and Gothic sensibility. Beautifully crafted from fine Meerschaum and finished with an amber stem and silver chased mount, this extraordinary piece was sculpted by a skilled Turkish artisan for the prestigious French retailer Monsieur J. Sommer.

🛠️ Composition & Technique

The carving showcases astonishing lifelike detail: each finger and bone meticulously rendered, the hand’s grip precise, the skull hauntingly expressive. The luxurious amber stem gives the pipe a warm, glowing finish, while the silver mount adds a refined elegance. Over the decades, the pipe has been lovingly smoked to perfection, creating a stunning golden patina — a hallmark of well-used Meerschaum and a testament to its exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship.

🌊 About Meerschaum

Meerschaum (German for “sea foam”) is a rare clay-like magnesium silicate mineral, mined primarily in Turkey, and highly prized for fine pipe making. Thanks to its remarkable porosity, Meerschaum absorbs tobacco’s oils, tars, and nicotine, gradually transforming from pale white to rich amber-gold hues with use. In the 19th century, elite pipe makers often employed apprentices to pre-smoke the pipes to achieve this coveted coloration before sale.

📏 Dimensions

For a Meerschaum pipe, this is a larger, standout piece:

• Pipe: 20 cm long × 7.3 cm high × 5 cm wide

• Case: 23 cm long × 9 cm widest point × 6.3 cm high

Its impressive size makes it a striking display piece and a true centerpiece in any serious collection.

📜 Provenance

• Origin: Turkey

• Date: Circa late 19th century, Victorian era

• Ownership History: Private collection, retailed by Monsieur J. Sommer, notable auction house, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

• Included: Original lined case (hinge missing, shows wear)

💖 Why You’ll Love It

This is not just a pipe — it’s a conversation starter, a work of art, and a slice of history. Whether you’re a collector of Gothic art, Victoriana, or rare smoking treasures, this piece promises to captivate.

✅ Dramatic and symbolic design — the hand gripping the skull is rich in meaning and visual impact
✅ Stunning golden patina — developed over decades of careful smoking, adding beauty and value
✅ Luxurious materials — Meerschaum, amber, and silver details create a sense of refinement
✅ Larger, standout size — a commanding presence in any antique or fine arts collection
✅ Authentic 19th-century craftsmanship — a genuine Victorian-era piece by Monsieur J. Sommer
✅ Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts — ideal for display, admiration, or as a treasured addition to your collection

🔍 Condition

Offered in fine used worn condition, this pipe proudly shows its age:

• Charming patina from decades of use, air blows through the hole in the bottom of the hand and not through the skull top.

• Scuffs, scratches, stains, and minor material losses consistent with age

• Case with wear, fading, losses, and a missing hinge

These imperfections enhance its authentic antique character and tell the story of its long life.

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

📩 Inquire now to secure this piece