Meerschaum and Bakelite Cavalier Head Tobacco Pipe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. early 20th century CE
This early 20th-century tobacco pipe features an intricately hand-carved meerschaum bowl depicting a cavalier figure with a pronounced beard and a detailed plumed cap.
The meerschaum material shows significant darkening and residue from heavy use, indicating its historical function. A sterling silver neck ring serves as a structural and decorative transition point, connecting the figural bowl to a gracefully curved, translucent mouthpiece crafted from Bakelite, a synthetic plastic material that became a popular alternative to traditional stem materials during this era. The pipe measures approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length and 2 inches (5.1 cm) in width.
It includes its original fitted hard case, which is lined in velvet and contoured to accommodate the specific dimensions of the figural bowl and curved stem. Although the pipe remains intact, there is wear consistent with extensive use, including tobacco residue within the bowl. The accompanying case shows signs of age, specifically with detached hinges and losses to the rim, as well as staining on the velvet interior lining.
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
- Width
- 2 inches (5.1 cm)
- Length
- 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- Materials
- meerschaum, Bakelite, sterling silver
Technical characteristics
- Usage
- heavily smoked
Design
- Motif
- cavalier figure with beard and plumed cap
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.