Antique Meerschaum Cigarette Cigar Holder Running Dog Carving in Original Case

Description: Antique carved meerschaum cigarette or cigar holder with dark amber colored plastic mouth piece. The front of the holder where the cigarette or cigar would fit is made of meerschaum and has a beautifully detailed miniature carving of a running dog with his head up. This piece appears to have been used extensively and has the soiling to prove it as well as the cracks that indicate extensive use. The opening in the front where the cigarette would fit has blackened from use as has the mouth piece. The meerschaum part of the pipe has short cracks suggesting, again, extensive use. The pipe comes in its original case which has damage consisting of loose hinges, loss of leather cover, damage to the inside material as well as heavy soiling and staining. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description. Date: Uncertain, but most likely late 1800s through mid 1900s (late 19th century through mid 20th century). Origin: Purchased at an estate