Pipe and pipe case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This collectible ensemble consists of a carved tobacco pipe and its fitted protective case. The pipe bowl is carved from meerschaum into the detailed form of a bearded man's head, showing rich texture in the sculpted hair and beard. The meerschaum exhibits warm yellowish and tan tones, tapering back toward a stem fitted with an amber-coloured mouthpiece.
The accompanying hinged pipe case is constructed to fit the exact contours of the pipe. The exterior is made of dark leather, while the interior is lined with a deep purple velvet fabric to cushion the carved meerschaum. Produced by an unknown maker, the set is attributed to the 19th century and was probably made in Germany. The primary materials and techniques comprise carved meerschaum, leather, and velvet.
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
The pipe and case were given to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1979 by Mr. S. Millenbach.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved meerschaum; leather, velvet
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- Germany
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 and pipe case
- Museum object number
- W.9-1979
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.