Very fine 19th century hand carved meerschaum cheroot or cigar holder - pipe, a delightful sculptural depiction of a horse tethered to a fence and with the original amber mouthpiece! What a fantastic piece! Lovely detail to this miniature sculpture or carving, a truly charming functional work of art! Meerschaum is a soft white mineral sometimes found floating on the Black Sea, and rather suggestive of sea-foam (hence the German name Meerschaum, also the French name for the same substance, écume de mer). Because it can be readily scratched with the nail, it's a natural to be used in these carved wares. This one unique with the added black strap around the horse's muzzle :). Great for the collectors!
Very good condition. Just as you see it in the enlarged images. I see no breaks or repairs to the delicate carving, amazing given the age and how thin those legs are. The amber mouthpiece is also near pristine. See images for all measurements.
