Antique German meerschaum pipe with horse carving and leather case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1860-1870
This antique meerschaum pipe, dating to circa 1860-1870, originates from Germany. Meerschaum, a porous, light-weight, and heat-resistant off-white silicate mineral, was commonly used for pipe making during the mid-19th century as a replacement for porcelain.
This specific specimen measures approximately 4 inches in length and features a detailed relief carving of three horses along the shank. The pipe is further ornamented with set silver initials. It is accompanied by its original fitted leather case, which is lined with red satin on one side and cream velvet on the other. The interior of the case bears an inscription for the retailer or manufacturer, Eduard Hofbrauer, located at Wienstr.
65 in Vienna. The pipe exhibits a warm, rich tone characteristic of aged meerschaum that has been exposed to tobacco oils over time, distinguishing it from raw, uncolored mineral specimens.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 4 inches
- Material
- Meerschaum
- Case lining
- Red satin and cream velvet
Technical characteristics
- Properties
- Porous structure, heat resistant
Design
- Motif
- 3 horses
- Ornamentation
- Silver initials
- Case inscription
- Eduard Hofbrauer, Wien, V. Wienstr. 65
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Eduard Hofbrauer
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.