Pipe bowl, Germany, ca. 1800 - 1830

This pipe bowl is carved from the mineral Meerschaum. It was almost certainly made in Germany, where such pipes were particularly popular. They were often elaborately carved or otherwise decorated. This pipe is carved with a scene of Napoleon, then a young military leader, at the head of his troops on the bridge at Arcole, Italy. The battle was fought between the 15th and 17th of November 1796, against Austrian troops. This pipe bowl was probably made only a few years later. Napoleon became a mythical hero in his lifetime, hated and feared through much of Europe but also admired for his military prowess.

A pipe bowl of Meerschaum, of tall, upright form, carved with a scene of Napoleon leading his troops in battle at the bridge of Arcole. The lower end of the stem of the pipe is carved with foliage, the top edge set with a collar of brass. The top of the bowl is set with a collar and hinged cover in brass.