Lot 524: Carved Bone or Meerschaum Pipe Component with Stamped Metal Ferrule
A decorative smoking pipe bowl and stem section, hand-carved from an organic material, likely bone or meerschaum, featuring a deep yellowish-cream patina. The stem is decorated with a carved chevron and foliage pattern along the lower edge and a scalloped texture along the upper ridge. The bowl terminal is rounded with vertical incised lines around the base. The piece is fitted with a grey-toned metal ferrule, possibly silver or silver plate, decorated with repoussé and chased scrollwork and floral motifs. The metal ferrule bears three stamped marks; the first is an impressed rectangular stamp containing two vertically aligned letters, an N above a B. The remaining two stamps to the right are heavily worn and compressed, appearing as indistinct rectangular impressions where the original characters are no longer legible.
Condition report:
A significant longitudinal crack is visible running through the centre of the carved body from the ferrule towards the bowl (photo 1). The metal ferrule shows heavy surface wear, compression to the stamped marks, and dark oxidation in the recessed areas (photo 2). The carved substrate exhibits surface abrasions and accumulated dirt within the deep recesses of the carving. The mouth end is missing the stem or mouthpiece extension.
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