Austrian Empire meerschaum tobacco pipe with figurative landscape carving, Budapest, 1850
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1850
This antique tobacco pipe, dating to 1850 in the Austrian Empire, originates from Budapest and represents the fine tradition of 19th-century European craftsmanship.
The bowl is skillfully carved from seafoam, commonly known as meerschaum (sepiolite), a porous sedimentary mineral historically favored by pipe makers for its exceptional ability to absorb moisture and tobacco residues, thereby providing a cleaner, smoother smoke. The pipe features an intricate relief carving depicting a detailed figurative landscape. Complementing the organic material are punched silver mounts, which add to the object's ornamental quality and luxury status typical of mid-19th century smoking accessories.
The pipe is marked with the maker's hallmarks 'C.H.' and 'Adler', and bears an illegible manufacturer's signature. Measuring 17 by 12 by 5 cm, the piece serves as both a functional smoking implement and a decorative artifact, illustrating the evolution of industrial design and the cultural significance of tobacco consumption during the period.
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
- Material
- seafoam (meerschaum) and punched silver
- Dimensions
- 17 x 12 x 5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Origin
- Budapest, Austrian Empire
- Hallmarks
- C.H. and Adler
Design
- Carving
- figurative landscape
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
- C.H. & Adler
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.