Finely carved meerschaum pipes to sell in online auction March 10
Sultan, hand-carved meerschaum pipe, 4.9in long. Estimate: $50-$60. LiveAuctioneers image
NEW YORK – Fifty-six collectible meerschaum pipes comprise an online auction to be conducted by Jasper52 on March 10 at 4 p.m. These prized smoking pipes are made of a mineral commonly known as meerschaum. Found in deposits in the city of Anatolia in present-day Turkey, the hard white clay has been hand-carved into pipes since the 18th century. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.
A host of characters and creatures are depicted on the pipes, from Egyptian pharaohs to mermaids. For instance, a meerschaum pipe that depicts a sultan (above) was hand-carved in Eskisehir, Turkey. It is expected to sell for $50-$60.
A meerschaum pipe that depicts a Viking (below) doubles as a cigarette holder when its bowl is removed (est. $200-$250).
Viking, hand-carved meerschaum pipe and cigarette holder, 7.4in long. Estimate: $200-$250. LiveAuctioneers image
The aforementioned pharaoh pipe exhibits first-class carving workmanship and comes with a fitted case (est. $90-$110).
Pharaoh, hand carved meerschaum pipe, 7in long. Estimate: $90-$110. Jasper52 image
One of the larger pipes in the collection measures nearly 7½ inches long and depicts a full-body reindeer (est. $150-$200).
Reindeer, hand-carved meerschaum pipe, 7.4in long. Estimate: $150-$200. Jasper52 image
Also valued at $150-$200 is a pipe that depicts the head of an elephant, complete with ivory-white tusks (est. $150-$200).
Elephant, hand-carved meerschaum pipe and cigarette holder, 7.2in long. Estimate: $150-$200. Jasper52 image
Additional meerschaum pipes in the auction depict musketeers, pirates, Indian chief and Sherlock Holmes – clutching a pipe in his mouth, of course.
The auction of collectible meerschaum pipes will begin Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m.
View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/
