Measuring approximately 9 3/4 inches long with stem inserted and the bowl approximately 4 1/2 x 3 x 2 1/4 inches. The bowl has been relief carved with the crossed cavalry sabers and "2/L" of Troop L of the 2nd Cavalry and an ordnance bomb on the back side. The bowl has a large silver mounting where the stem inserts. The stem appears to be primarily made of amber and cherry and shows some evidence of being repaired during the period of use. There is a gold band around the stem hand engraved with "Presented to Henry Wilkens, by the Members of Troop L, 2nd Cavalry ." Wilkens (1855-1895) was a German immigrant who joined the U.S. Army in 1877, being sent west shortly after with the 2nd Cavalry to take part in the Nez Perce War. He was involved in actions at Little Muddy Creek and Camas Meadows, where he received a serious head injury but continued to fight on with his company. For these actions he was later awarded the Medal of Honor with the citation "Bravery in actions with Indians." It is possible that this pipe was an additional accolade for these actions from the men who fought alongside him. Included with the pipe is a velvet and silk lined fitted case, with the interior of the lid retailer marked "407 BROOME ST./BRANDEIS/N.Y."

Fine, the meerschaum showing an attractively aged color that grows darker on the right and the bottom and clear carving. The silver also shows an attractively aged patina. The stem appears to have been repaired with a piece of spliced in horn or hard rubber and otherwise shows generally mild wear. The case is also fine with mild wear, broken latch, and some mild staining on the lining.