Put that in your pipe...
A remarkable collection of antique pipes and related effects will go under the hammer in our 22nd February Home & Interiors auction. Compiled by a single-owner enthusiast over many years, the collection ranges from intricately carved meerschaums (a clay mineral whose name is German for "sea-foam") to elegant briars, cheroot holders with amber and precious metal mounts, to vesta cases, porcelain souvenir examples and much more.
It is commonly stated that Sir Walter Raleigh brought tobacco to England from Virginia in 1586 (prompting his servant to throw water over him thinking he was on fire), although it is likely that sailors were smoking before this date. At first considered to have health benefits (particularly in comparison with that other suspicious-looking New World import, the 'potato'), tobacco smoking soon became commonplace - despite James I's disdain and introduction of a tax in 1604.
Pipe smoking became a fashionable affectation for the elite during the 17th century, but the golden age was reached in the 19th when industrialisation allowed everyday folk to participate.
The pipe industry flourished with elaborate designs, decorations and materials being experimented with to suit the smoker. It seemed everyone was smoking - from Sherlock Holmes to Albert Einstein, Kings of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II (featured above), and... Joseph Stalin.
Pipe-smoking became less common in the mid-20th century due to the introduction of cheaper and more convenient cigarettes (although, this allowed the cigarette case industry to thrive). However, there has been a resurgence in recent years, with craftmanship and individuality once again being prized amongst enthusiasts.
This collection showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone age and bidders will have the opportunity to acquire pieces that not only reflect the evolution of pipe-making but also serve as cultural artefacts.
Personal favourites include the meerschaum example carved as a human skull - an almost certainly unintentional precursor of today's gruesome health warnings on cigarette packets, or the literally 'half-dressed' Victorian lady...
The auction is on Saturday 22nd with viewing on Friday 21st 10am-7pm.
See a preview of the collection here - the full catalogue will be online Wednesday 19th February
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