Bidspirit auction | English Prattware Puzzle Pipe in

English Prattware Puzzle Pipe in Snake Form, 19th - English prattware puzzle pipe in the form of a coiled snake, circa 1810-1820. Approx. height 2in., width 8.75, depth 5.12 in. Note: English potters, from around 1750, used to make these puzzle pipes. Their purpose was both as an ornament and to show off the potter's very great skills. Whilst they could be used for smoking, they were obviously impractical, difficult to clean, and impracticable fragile. The puzzle is how they were made. These pipes were entirely hand made without any means of mechanical extrusion. The wet clay tubing, wrapped around damp string, had to be dry enough to hold its shape, flexible enough not to develop cracks that would leak, and strong enough to hold together while it was folded up (Source: puzzlemuseum, com). NOTE: DUE TO THE SIZE, FRAGILITY AND/OR WEIGHT, THIS ITEM(S) WILL NEED TO BE PACKAGED AND SHIPPED VIA UPS. WE CAN NOT PROVIDE IN HOUSE PACKAGING/SHIPPING FOR THIS ITEM. HIGH BIDDER WILL NEED TO PAY OUR INVOICE FIRST THEN UPS WILL CONTACT VIA EMAIL ON FILE TO OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR PACKING AND SHIPPING. Condition: Please request a full condition report. All items are sold as-is where-is. With all faults and errors. We are happy to assist with additional photographs, explanations, condition reports, or in person examinations on any piece. Purses are sold with a 100% authenticity guaranteed. Watches may be subject to aftermarket modifications. Designer jewelry is sold as ”in the manner of...” unless otherwise stated. Please note, for all invoices over 5000USD we require payment via wire or other certified funds.