Carved walnut with saints, German; dated 1778
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1778
Pipe case of walnut carved in low relief with engraved brass mount. The decoration on the stem section is divided into three horizontally-orientated panels, each featuring two Scriptural images, separated by a band with alternating winged angels’ faces and death’s heads (Totenkopf).
The endpiece bears the carved inscription ‘ANNO 1778’, and is carved around the ventilation hole with a flower with five petals. The case is made from two pieces of walnut: a lid and a main body. On top is a brass hinge plate, nailed with six tacks to the lid and main body, with three tacks used apiece. The small skull and crossbones motifs are known in German as Totenkopf (literally 'head of a dead man'). It became a popular symbol in Germany after its introduction to the Prussian cavalry under Frederick the Great in the middle of the eighteenth century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- 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
- Dimensions
- Length 20.5 cm; Height 7.5 cm bowl
- Materials and techniques
- Carved walnut with engraved brass mounts
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Germany
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O315038
- Museum object number
- 787-1872
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.