Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1467b:
Description
This is a fascinating collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century items, centered around a truly unique presentation pipe accoutrement. The main inscribed item, featuring a ceremonial pipe tamper or pipe lighter/tinderbox. The inscription, which is likely Norwegian, reads “Til Provst Ellefsen 2 Aug 1881 Fra Dødsbokslærerne i Mandal Præstegjæld.” This translates roughly to “To Provost Ellefsen August 2, 1881 From the Deceased-Book Teachers/Clerks in Mandal Parish/Vicarage,” indicating it was a special presentation piece given by the clerks who managed the “book of the deceased” in the Mandal vicarage (Norway) to Provost (Dean) Ellefsen on that date, giving it a verifiable history and a probable Norwegian origin. The collection also includes a dovetailed wooden and cast iron hand-crank coffee grinder, a small, rusted cast iron flat iron, a pair of highly stylized metal wick/snuffing scissors with ornate bow handle), and an antique briar or meerschaum tobacco pipe with a dark patina and a woven tassel. The overall condition of the pieces is consistent with significant age and use, showing heavy surface wear, rust/patina on the metal parts, and general grime. The coffee grinder shows wood splitting and wear. The pipe tamper/accoutrement has a heavy, dark tarnish and possible corrosion on the metal parts, and the wood grip appears heavily aged. The pipe has a dark, worn bowl and stem. The flat iron is heavily rusted. The snuffing scissors show ornate styling but heavy tarnish. The collection is highly appealing due to its historic, identifiable context. Measurements for the largest item (coffee grinder) are H 8.25″, W 9.5″, D 7″. Pipe H 11.5″, W 3″, D 2.5″. Scissors H 7”, W 2.25”, D 2”. Iron H 4.5”, W 3.5”, D 6”.
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