Bought this in an antique shop in Bellingham, Washington a few days ago. Original amber stem present but broken at the shank, case present but extremely rough. But I couldn't resist the figure. I know there were many generic carvings then, common face types/nationalities (such as the "Arab" or "Bedouin"), but I wondered if this might be someone specific, some historical character. He seems to me to be either Scottish, or Renaissance Italian; I'm not sure if his hat is a Renaissance artist's or a tam o'shanter. Has six little wedge cuts and a plume in front.
It has a nice pre-color job on it (though isn't quite as orange as it seems) and it's been smoked, but not in such a long time that the bowl has no tobacco scent left! It's also tiny, but is most definitely a pipe, not a cheroot holder; there's no room in the case for a coloring bowl. Thoughts, opinions?
He is, as of today, off to Ric at Briarville for a replacement stem, my first experience with Ric's work (and he's doing to antique meers). I'm quite excited, having heard nothing but praise for his work, and having enjoyed the phone conversation about this.
It has a nice pre-color job on it (though isn't quite as orange as it seems) and it's been smoked, but not in such a long time that the bowl has no tobacco scent left! It's also tiny, but is most definitely a pipe, not a cheroot holder; there's no room in the case for a coloring bowl. Thoughts, opinions?
He is, as of today, off to Ric at Briarville for a replacement stem, my first experience with Ric's work (and he's doing to antique meers). I'm quite excited, having heard nothing but praise for his work, and having enjoyed the phone conversation about this.