Private Watkins
2nd Lieutenant
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2014
- Location
- Oklahoma
Saw this listed in an auction recently... hand carved Zouave pipe, the craftsmanship is really amazing! Does anyone out there collect Civil War pipes...?
It certainly could be post-war... I have a mental image of an old Zouave veteran puffing away on something like that while marching in his town's Veteran's Day parade...Is that second pipe post war? Zouaves were still a picturesque part of the French army until the Great War. I wouldn't mind finding a pipe like that in my stocking...
You mean Billy Yank didn't just carve that with his pocket knife...? I don't have an appreciation for the different types of tools a master craftsman would use, but I agree with you completely that specialized instruments would have to have been used by someone with a high degree of skill...The first pipe, in particular, is a remarkable carving. I can see from details in the face and beard that it was carved with specialized gouges and veining tools ("v" gouges). Beautiful work and, yes, it is of portrait quality. The bowl looks like it might be lined with something--perhaps clay or meerschaum. Is that correct?
Actually, the pipe might have been roughed out to basic shape with a knife--or it might have been done with an automated machine of some sort. Visualize a pattern router driven by a leather drive belt and overhead pulley and shaft system in a 19th century factory.You mean Billy Yank didn't just carve that with his pocket knife...? I don't have an appreciation for the different types of tools a master craftsman would use, but I agree with you completely that specialized instruments would have to have been used by someone with a high degree of skill...
And good eye Patrick... yes it does look like there's some kind of liner in the bowl...
I have a meershaum, and it's one of my favorite pipes. I used to have one carved into a buffalo head. Suffice to say, I learned how fragile they are with that pipe. Never saw another. <sigh>It certainly could be post-war... I have a mental image of an old Zouave veteran puffing away on something like that while marching in his town's Veteran's Day parade...
It doesn't strike me as European... don't know that I have a lot hard facts to go on for that statement, but it just seems to me that when I've seen European zouave pipes they are a bit more ornate and have a different look than an ACW zouave... but I could be wrong, certainly not an expert...
Fantastic... both pipes!!One of the Most Magnificent Carved Civil War Pipes We've Ever Seen. Really an important piece of American folk art in addition to its importance as a Civil War artifact. Massive size and weight carved entirely by hand of burl wood. The front of the pipe is deeply relief carved with a full spread wing eagle with shield, holding a riband in its beak, "The Union Now And Forever", really exceptional work. The one side of the pipe is relief carved with an artillery piece with "64" on the barrel, doubtless referring to the date the pipe was made. The other side of the pipe depicts a mounted soldier, again beautifully executed. The back of the pipe is relief carved with the full nude figure of a woman holding a riband inscribed "Liberty", the whole surrounded by a laurel wreath. The flat bottom of the pipe bears the neatly incised carved legend, "Made In Camp Near Falmouth, Va. By Benj. G. Chapman 146 NYSV". The pipe is in perfect untouched condition, with no indication of having been smoked and nice rich patina. Chapman enlisted in the 146th on October 10, 1862 and served with the regiment until May 3, 1863 when he transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. The 146th, known as Garrard's Tigers, were, for a period uniformed as Zouaves. The regiment was heavily engaged at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg during Chapman's term of service. The regiment lost a total of 133 men killed and mortally wounded. Accompanied by a complete set of records. Sold for $5,377.50
View attachment 87486 View attachment 87487
http://historical.ha.com/itm/milita...6015-57948.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515
Your speculation about the various designs seems logical to me and as good an explanation as any. I would not have understood the heart and star symbolism. However, those are common design elements in all kinds of folk art. They show up frequently. The presence of "Va" is pretty intriguing. I think it's definitely commemorative of some event or a tribute to the recipient. I think this pipe is much more "folk artsy" than the first zouave carving, and might actually have been done with a knife, rather than specialized carving tools. Regardless of that, it was very skillfully carved. I like it a lot.I'm curious what any of you might make of this never smoked pipe bowl...?
Thanks, and I agree this one has more of the "carved in the field" look than the first two...Your speculation about the various designs seems logical to me and as good an explanation as any. I would not have understood the heart and star symbolism. However, those are common design elements in all kinds of folk art. They show up frequently. The presence of "Va" is pretty intriguing. I think it's definitely commemorative of some event or a tribute to the recipient. I think this pipe is much more "folk artsy" than the first zouave carving, and might actually have been done with a knife, rather than specialized carving tools. Regardless of that, it was very skillfully carved. I like it a lot.