Pipe - Silver

Antique silver smoking pipe – Europe, mid to late 19th century

Elegant and uncommon antique smoking pipe, made of silver, of probable European origin and dated roughly between the mid and late 19th century (1850–1900).

This interesting piece stands out for its refined construction, its elongated shape and its delicate ornamental details, characteristic of the craftsmanship of the period.

It features a long circular-section stem, decorated with small rings and mouldings, ending in a cylindrical mouthpiece with stylized vegetal motifs. On the opposite end is a bowl set at an angle, whose base is adorned with elegant radial line decoration reminiscent of a shell.

The bowl includes a practicable cap, domed in shape and fitted with small perforations. One of the most distinctive details is the small metal sphere suspended by a chain from the body of the pipe, which adds an attractive decorative element to the ensemble.

Due to its stylistic and construction features, this piece presents interesting similarities with ancient European silver pipes. An example of comparable design, with a long mouthpiece, silver bowl and cap connected by a chain, is preserved in the Amsterdam Pipe Museum collection, in the Netherlands.

The pipe is made of silver, a material whose purity has been verified through various analytical methods, including acid tests and magnetism. The exact purity could not be determined.

The piece is in good overall condition, with an attractive natural patina and light signs of use compatible with its age. The bowl cap is practicable.

Dimensions: 26 × 5 × 2 cm.

Weight: 48 grams.