Early 18th Century Memento Mori Skull Pipe - Meerschaum Bowl and Wale Bone Stem

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Early 18th Century Memento Mori Skull Pipe - Meerschaum Bowl and Wale Bone Stem :
$175.00

Clearly the prized possession of a sailor in the 1700’s to early1800’s since even after it became un-serviceable their fondness would not allowthem depart with the pleasurable memories associated with their long time “memento mori” companion.

Hand Carved from a solid meerschaum block and a honed amber (wale) bone for the stem/mouth piece. The handy work and style is consistentwith others dated as early as 1720 and the patina suggests it was used over aperiod of many years. When smoked, meerschaum pipes gradually change color, andold meerschaums will turn incremental shades of yellow, orange, red, and amberfrom the base on up. The bone stem is equally aged in color and the bitearea is very well worn from being held by the teeth.

At some point a piece of the lower bowl separated where thebone turns in making it unserviceable. Although it could be repaired, it wasremoved from service but kept by it’s owner anddescendants.

A REAL piece of Americana