533
Superb Silver Fitted Massive Meerschaum Pipe, Depicting a Battle from Napoleon's Invasion of Russia
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory
Start Price:0.00 USD
Estimated At:14,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
SOLD
9,500.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Sep 10 @ 14:11UTC-5 : EST/CDT
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
"The French showed themselves to be worthy of victory, but the Russians showed themselves worthy of being invincible" -Napoleon Bonaparte.
Measuring 7 1/2" long, 5" tall and 3 3/4" wide, the body of the pipe is, with sole exception of the bowl plug, made from one piece of attractively carved natural meerschaum, depicting a French cavalryman charging a pair of Russian horsemen, with the head of his horse doubling as a vented bowl plug, with silver fittings at the joint. The cavalryman can be seen drawing a pistol with his left hand and thrusting at the horseman to his right, missing both man and horse, while overrunning the second horseman. Meanwhile the horseman to the right has struck true, driving his sword up to the hilt in the Frenchman's right breast, sending it out his left side below the ribcage in what is no doubt a fatal blow. The underside of the pipe shows a light floral pattern, with the sides and rear done in a basket weave design. The rear of the pipe is capped with a floral and checker engraved silver cap with an octagonal neck for the stem, which is horn with stag and ebony accents, 8 1/2" long leading to an ebony and horn bit with woven tube and multicolored tassels, 10 1/2" long. The body of the pipe shows the distinct meerschaum patina, lighter on the underside, with the remainder turned a deep mixed orange, transitioning to a reddish brown at the plug, and the level of detail is superb, down to individual accents on the saddle blankets and the trim of the Russian's jackets and hats.
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Condition: Excellent, with a small bit of replacement material for the reins on the plug, and minor handling marks on the meerschaum. The silver is excellent, with a dark patina, deepest around the neck. The stem and bit are good, with wear on the bit from use and a few minor cracks and chips on the horn and ebony parts. All together an excellent pipe, and a top notch demonstration of the carver's art with a spectacular militarty scene.
Auction Location:
4507 49th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, 62165, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview: Open to the public Thursday, September 9th from 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday, September 10th from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
19.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Please contact the auction house for the preferred shipper’s contact information
Payment Details:
Payment Information: Auction sales are strictly for cash, cashier’s check or checks (with prior approval of the management), MasterCard, Visa or Discover. NOTE TO ALL BUYERS: Method of payment will be U.S. currency or certified check drawn on an American bank. All sales are final at the fall of the Auctioneer's hammer. Buyer’s Premium: All bid prices “hammer prices” (means the price at which a lot is knocked down to the purchaser) will be subject to a buyer’s premium payable by the purchaser of 19.5% of the bid price. There is a 2.5% discount for payment with cash, approved check or wire transfer. The premium is added to your successful bid and the two together equal the total purchase price. At the announcement of “SOLD”, the highest bidder will have purchased the offered lot. This purchase is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein. The purchaser assumes full responsibility thereof and if requested will sign a confirmation of the purchase. The purchaser further agrees to pay the purchase price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes before any lot may be transferred. All items purchased by successful bidders must be paid for in full the day of sale. All items purchased by absentee bidders must be paid for in full immediately upon notification.
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4. TERMS OF PAYMENT. At the announcement of “SOLD”, the highest bidder will have purchased the offered lot. All sales are final at the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer or at the announcement of "sold". This purchase is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein. The purchaser assumes full responsibility thereof and if requested will sign a confirmation of the purchase. The purchaser further agrees to pay the purchase price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes. All items purchased by successful bidders must be paid for in full the day of sale. All property must be removed from our premises at the purchaser’s expense no later than 5:00 p.m. five days following the date of sale unless otherwise agreed. If the property is not removed, it may be transferred to a public warehouse for the purchaser at the purchaser’s risk and expense.
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