Page 158 - Auction84-Book2
P. 158

 LOT 1346
Unique Massive Meerschaum Cigar Holder Pipe with Magnificent Carved Scene Featuring Artemis, Goddess of
the Hunt, with Case - Measuring 6 1/4 inches long from bowl to stem, 5 inches tall and 1 4/5 inches wide, the main section of the holder is constructed with a meerschaum bowl mounted into the front of a single piece of natural meerschaum, which shows a curvature along the underside that matches in contour with the stem. The main body is three dimensionally carved in a scene of Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt, standing atop a rock outcropping covered in floral blooms, posed as though preparing to nock an arrow on a bow (note: bow and arrow are absent), with a quiver on her back and her dress partially undone to free her drawing arm. Arrayed around her are a woman in dress and sandals, holding the leads of a pair of lop eared hounds, 2 nymphs dressed in laurels, and a large stag representing Actaeon. In Greek myth, all these things were presented to Artemis as gifts by her father Zeus, along with the bow and arrow and eternal celibacy. The overall tone of the coloration is signature meerschaum, with the underside of the pipe showing a mixed orange color, the carved sections showing a bone white with yellow and orange accents overall, darker and deeper near the front until you reach the bowl, which is near black with streaks of red. The stem is carved orange amber, 5 inches long, which matches up with the main body excellently. With a leather covered, velvet and silk lined case from Franz Heiss & Son of Vienna, Austria, a late 19th century carving firm and participant in the Chicago World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893.
CONDITION: Excellent, with superb color and detail overall. The case shows mild scuffs and wear.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
       156
LOT 1347
Ornate Inlaid Germanic/Swiss Renaissance Style Sporting Crossbow - Germanic crossbows of this design have been dated to the mid 16th century to early 17th century. This particular example has unmarked iron limbs and an incredibly ornate bone inlaid and paneled tiller (stock) with a variety of designs, including floral vines and birds. It has a pin style trigger protected by an iron guard with grip extension area.
CONDITION: Very good, the iron showing mostly a blackened/dark grey patina and the wood showing generally an attractive aged appearance and retaining almost all of the inlays. Mechanically the trigger appears to not be engaged with the release.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
 
























































































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