Bidspirit auction | EUROPEAN CARVED FIGURAL MEERSCHAUM PIPE

EUROPEAN CARVED FIGURAL MEERSCHAUM PIPE IN CASE, 19TH C. - A European carved figural meerschaum tobacco pipe, maker untraced, late nineteenth century, accompanied by its original contoured fitted case. Sculpted from block sepiolite with a rich, dark reddish-brown smoker's patina, the bowl is modeled as the bust of a woman wearing a rose-garlanded hat with a draped veil flowing down the back, wavy tresses, drop chain earrings, and a beaded necklace centered by an oval medallion. The curved shank terminates in a pale, uncolored band and a threaded screw tenon joined to a bent, marbled amber-toned mouthpiece with a flared lip. Housed in a conforming hinged wooden case lined in dark burgundy velvet and satin. No signatures, stamps, or maker's marks are visible on the pipe or case. tobacconist, viennese, austrian, antique, paraphernalia, cheroot, victorian, collectible, portrait, gentleman. Dimensions L: 6 1/2 in. All measurements are approximate. Condition Condition appears consistent with age and use. The meerschaum pipe shows deep patina, heavy bowl charring, minor rim scorching, light facial wear, and an uncolored shank band suggesting a missing ferrule. The fitted case exhibits severe exterior covering loss exposing bare wood, plus interior lining wear and staining.