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Appraisal ID: 117481
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Appraised On: 20-07-2006
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Title: Antique Burr Wood Pipe
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Date/Era/Period: Circa 1870
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Description: A very old Meerschaum style pipe from Elgin Illinois
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Condition: There is some petina on the silver/pewter portions and som nicks and scratches in the wood.
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Provenance: This has been in the family since it was given as a gift.
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Appraised By: Anita Bartlett-Picarella
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History Of The Item: Hello, this is Anita Bartlett-Picarella from New York.

Your request for an appraisal has been referred to me for reply. I have closely examined the information you submitted.  My findings are based on this information.

I would not say that your pipe is a  Meerschaum rather it is late Victorian burr wood pipe, complete with pipe stem, 19th century, silver mounted, with inscription and lovely monogram.  The pipe does not have an unusual carving but it does have lovely fittings and is well marked.  It appears that this pipe was a "gift" commemorating a special relationship.  I am sorry that I cannot find out information on the names or what they meant to each other.

Although you mention, Elgin, Illinois, I believe your pipe was actually made in England.

Following is information regarding Meerschaum pipes for your reference only:

Nearly 300 years ago, the first meerschaum pipe was carved by hand. And today, these unique pipes are still carved by hand. Meerschaum is actually hydrated magnesium silicate (H4Mg2Si3O10) and is a mineral found in shallow deposits mainly around the city of Eskisehir in central Turkey. It is prized for its plasticity which allows it to be carved into many decorative and figural shapes. It has been used since the 17th century and, with clay pipes, represented the most common medium for pipes before the introduction of briar as the material of choice in the 19th century. The word "meerschaum" means "sea foam" in German, alluding to the belief that it was the compressed whitecaps of waves, just as it is said in mythology for the goddess of beauty - Aphrodite. It is of an opaque white or cream color and when first extracted is soft and easily marked, but it hardens on exposure to the sun or when dried in a warm room or in a furnace. However, meerschaum is a very porous mineral that acts as a "natural filter", absorbing elements of the tobacco during the smoking process, and gradually changes color to a golden brown. Old, well-smoked meerschaum pipes are prized for their distinctive coloring
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Appraiser Tips: There is nothing to do with this pipe.
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Research Sources:
Artnet
Sothebys
Artfact

Following is a link to a comparable sale of an 18th century pipe, very similar to yours but without all the "trimmings".

I hope you are able t click on this link to see the similarities in style.

http://search.sothebys.com/jsps/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=42J7B
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Appraiser Comments: My findings of value have been based on comparble sales for fair market value.

The replacement value would be substanitally higher, if this pipe was being offered for sale by a dealer or gallery.

Based on my research, it is possible that your "pipe" is an 18th century example, with later silver fittings.

It is rather immaterial whether or not the silver fittings are "sterling" as the value for the pipe rests with it's form, fittings and historical inscriptions.

Again, I am sorry I could not find information relative to the names.

Keep in mind that the values listed below can vary depending upon how and where marketed, locale, and may vary across different collecting disciplines. 

If you are satisfied with the services I have rendered, I would be most grateful if you would take the time to leave some positive feedback.

Kindest regards,
Anita Bartlett-Picarella
Senior Certified Member
Appraisers Association of America

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions.

This certificate of appraisal is given subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, all of which are a part hereof unless expressly set aside in writing either on the pages of this certificate or by writing attached to the certificate signed by all parties concerned.
 
Unless otherwise stated herein, this certificate is based only on the readily apparent identity of the item(s) appraised, and no further opinion nor guarantee of authenticity, genuineness, attribution or authorship is made.

Unless otherwise stated herein, the appraised value(s) is based on the whole ownership and possessory interest undiminished by any liens, fractional interests or any other form of encumbrance or alienation.

This certificate is made at the request of the party names for his/her/its use. It is not an indication or certificate of title ownership. The identification of the interest of the requesting party is simply that represented to the appraiser by such party and no inquiry or investigation has been made nor is any opinion given as to the truth of such representation.
 
The value(s) expressed herein is based on the appraiser’s best judgment and opinion and is not a representation or warranty that the item(s) will realize that value if offered for sale at auction or otherwise.

The value(s) expressed is based on current information on the date made and no opinion is hereby expressed as to any future value, nor, unless otherwise expressly stated, as to any past value. Information furnished by others is assumed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by this appraisal firm.

The appraiser is not required to give testimony, be present in any court of law, or appear before any commission or board by reason of this appraisal, unless prior arrangements have been made with the appraiser.

Possession of this report, or copy thereof, does not include the right of publication without the written consent of the appraiser.

This report in its entirety or any part thereof, including the identity of the appraiser or his/her firm, shall not be made public through advertising, public relations, news releases, sales or other distributive or information media without the written consent of the appraiser.
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* Current Fair Market Value: $700.00
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** Replacement Cost: $1,200.00
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All values are in US currency
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This online appraisal is an expert's opinion of the item(s) depicted above based solely on images and information supplied by our customer. Additional information, not shown on this certificate, may have been taken into account for this online Appraisal.

Please Note: Our service strives to include the best international authorities in their respective fields. While the appraiser may be an expert in rendering the valuation, please understand that they may not be completely fluent in English.

* Current Fair Market Value is the amount someone might receive when selling their item to a dealer or at auction. It is also the amount most government tax agencies (IRS, Revenue Canada, Inland Revenue, etc.) recognize as the tax deductible amount were the item donated to a charitable organization.

** Replacement Cost is the retail amount one might reasonably pay to purchase the item from a dealer, gallery, store, etc. It is also the amount for which one may want to insure an item.

For currency conversion go to http://www.xe.net/ucc/full.shtml

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