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Austrian Meerschaum Smoking Pipe Depicting Head of Mephistopheles, Late XIX C.
$1,500
£1,142.25
€1,304.38
CA$2,107.69
A$2,312.53
CHF 1,218.13
MX$27,510.01
NOK 15,604.11
SEK 14,248.68
DKK 9,744.94
About the Item
Tobacco Smoking Pipe
Head of Mephistopheles
Hand-Carved Meerschaum
Austria, Late XIX C.
DIMENSIONS
Length: 6.88 inches
Width: 1.75 inches
Height: 2.88 inches
ABOUT
A tobacco smoking pipe made of genuine carved meerschaum with amber mouthpiece (damaged). Original wooden case, covered in leather. Vienna, Austria, late 19th century.
MEERSCHAUM
Meerschaum is a soft white mineral—specifically hydrated magnesium silicate—that has been prized for centuries in the making of smoking pipes, sculptures, and small decorative objects. The word meerschaum comes from German and means “sea foam,” because the material is so light and porous that it can actually float on water.
ORIGIN: Found mainly in Eskisehir, Turkey, which produces nearly all the world’s high-grade meerschaum.
Also occurs in small deposits in Greece, Morocco, Spain, and parts of the U.S.
COLOR: Naturally, white or cream; it can be polished to a waxy luster.
TEXTURE: Very light, soft, and porous—easy to carve when wet but hardens when dried.
POROSITY: This makes it an ideal material for smoking pipes, as it absorbs nicotine and tar, giving a cool, dry, flavorful smoke.
IN SMOKING PIPES: A meerschaum pipe darkens gradually with use, developing a golden patina that collectors value highly. Unlike briar pipes, it doesn’t burn or “ghost” flavors, allowing the pure taste of tobacco. Each pipe is often hand-carved, sometimes into intricate faces, animals, or classical motifs.
IN ART AND COLLECTIBLES
Used since the 18th century for miniature sculptures, cameos, and ornamental boxes.
Antique meerschaum carvings are now highly collectible, especially those from 19th-century Vienna and Istanbul workshops.
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Depth: 6.88 in (17.48 cm)
- Style:Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:ca. 1890s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. We make our best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine photos attentively, as they are an integral part of the description. Send us a message to request more details or discuss price.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2819348010122
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