Carved walnut pipe case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1680-1700
This carved walnut pipe case dates to between about 1680 and 1700 and was likely made in the Netherlands, or possibly England. Constructed from three interlocking layers of walnut linked by a pewter rod at the mouthpiece end, the mechanism allows the smallest piece to swing aside and the central section to slide open, giving access to an undecorated interior designed to hold a clay pipe. Measuring 25.3 cm in length, the exterior is richly embellished with carved relief, inlaid twisted brass wire, and mounts of brass and pewter.
The upper section of the stem presents a full-relief figure of a gentleman standing akimbo on a Classical sconce, wearing a sword and a long coat detailed with inlaid brass wire and pewter studs. Beside his ears are rings for drop earrings, while above his head an elaborate crown sits atop twisted Solomonic columns. The stem length features zig-zag geometric carving set with brass studs. Carved on top of the bowl compartment are the initials 'H B' encircled by three brass stars within a geometric border.
The underside displays further carved and inlaid ornament, including male masks, carved flowers, a downwards-facing crown with an orb, and hexagonal patterns set with brass stars.
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.
Historical context
Smoking leaf tobacco in fragile clay pipes spread throughout Europe in the 17th century. Because these pipes were relatively costly and delicate, protective wooden cases were crafted to transport them. Compact cases like this example accommodated shorter pipes suited for carrying in pockets, distinct from the longer, more fragile pipes commonly smoked at home or in inns. The case was presented to the museum in November 1928 by collector W. Sanders-Fiske.
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Pipe case
- Museum object number
- W.160-1928
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.