Civil War-Era Meerschaum Pipe / SOLD

Description

Civil War-Era Meerschaum Pipe / SOLD

Carved Hand Holding Bowl A remarkable mid-19th century meerschaum pipe, intricately carved in the form of a realistic hand grasping the bowl. The hand is detailed with cuff and knuckle features, with one index finger long since lost and worn smooth, showing the patina and honest age of decades of use and handling. The bowl itself is rounded and shows expected surface patination from smoking. Such figural meerschaum pipes were popular with soldiers and civilians alike during the Civil War period, often treasured as both functional items and works of folk art. The symbolism of the hand motif—offering or presenting the smoking bowl—was a favored Victorian conceit, linking the pipe with camaraderie and ritual. Condition: Good, with missing forefinger and wear consistent with age and use; surface patinated from long handling.

Inventory Number: MIS 315