Posted 7 years ago
barrbjean
(1 item)
I really like this item, it is very unusual, some type of figure is engraved on the bowl, the inscription on the frame is engraved 1813? I am not asking for an appraisal but would love to know if anyone here could identify it's maker or origin.
I know nothing, but it's very cool!
Don't forget you posted it here and check back every day or two. Sometimes it takes a couple days for the right person to see it and help you out.
I'm still new to this page and really love it, so many people with so many different interest and knowledge of a wide range of items. Good luck!
I don't really know anything about pipes, I just like all kinds of carved things. This immediately struck me as the sort of thing you see in German or Flemish paintings of people in taverns. A search for 'tobacco pipe lidded' turned up this one, which is currently for sale on etsy. Seller (fabfunkyfunvintage) does not know for sure about it either, but came out of a household where previous generations had been German:
https://img1.etsystatic.com/220/0/13898167/il_570xN.1325284799_6fb8.jpg
I find it interesting that both pipe have been dated in a conspicuous way. Clearly they are both of some very specific type. Perhaps another CWer will know what. Meanwhile, I can tell you that the figure on yours is probably meant to be the goddess Venus. :)
See also: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/167052-hand-carved-german-pipe-late-1800s?in=356
And: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/162997-unknown-pipe-meershaum?in=356
Think they are wrong about the bowl being meerschaum, but:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435019645234115682/
I am starting to think these are something like souvenirs from visits to the Black Forest.