SkipperJohn
Well-known member
Meerschaum (German for sea foam) pipes have been used since around 1723. They are made from sepiolite which is a mineral that floats and has the appearance of "sea foam". They were widely used throughout Europe, mostly by the well-to-do as they were very expensive compared to the common clay pipes widely available at the time. Meerschaum was found in abundance in the area of the Black Sea and it's use in pipes originates in Turkey and Hungary. Other areas capitalized on the popularity and began carving intricate Meerschaum pipes for wealthy clients. One of the larger centers for artistic Meerschaum pipes was Vienna.
In the 1800's, Meerschaum pipes grew in popularity among European pipesmokers and were in high demand. However; they were still primarily reserved for those who could afford to commission an artist to carve one. Each carved pipe is unique and one-of-a-kind since they were individually made. The more common carvings include horses, dogs, faces, eagle claws, hunters, cherubs, and nudes.
This new addition to my German military pipe collection is the most unusual and unique design I have ever seen:
This unique piece, from the Franco-Prussian War period (1870) shows a very dramatic scene. It illustrates a fight between a German Infantry soldier and a French Zouave.
A Zouave tries to use his saber but he is too late. The German soldier is shown stabbing the Zouave with his bayonet. The Prussian Wappen can be seen on the German soldier's Pickelhaube.
The figures are precisely carved.
The uniforms and even the fallen timbers are highly detailed.
The pipe has definitely been used.
The pipe is complete and in extremely good shape, even the tip.
One thing about this pipe does seem quite odd to me. As a veteran myself, I'm not sure that this is a memory that I would wish to immortalize on something I used every day. Just seems strange to me.
John
In the 1800's, Meerschaum pipes grew in popularity among European pipesmokers and were in high demand. However; they were still primarily reserved for those who could afford to commission an artist to carve one. Each carved pipe is unique and one-of-a-kind since they were individually made. The more common carvings include horses, dogs, faces, eagle claws, hunters, cherubs, and nudes.
This new addition to my German military pipe collection is the most unusual and unique design I have ever seen:
This unique piece, from the Franco-Prussian War period (1870) shows a very dramatic scene. It illustrates a fight between a German Infantry soldier and a French Zouave.
A Zouave tries to use his saber but he is too late. The German soldier is shown stabbing the Zouave with his bayonet. The Prussian Wappen can be seen on the German soldier's Pickelhaube.
The figures are precisely carved.
The uniforms and even the fallen timbers are highly detailed.
The pipe has definitely been used.
The pipe is complete and in extremely good shape, even the tip.
One thing about this pipe does seem quite odd to me. As a veteran myself, I'm not sure that this is a memory that I would wish to immortalize on something I used every day. Just seems strange to me.
John
