66 - Reservist's pipe Hannoversches Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 10 Minden, porcelain bowl with pewter lid

Reservist's pipe Hannoversches Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 10 Minden, porcelain bowl with pewter lid Porcelain, pewter, wood and horn. Long multi-part pipe. Porcelain bowl, white glazed, polychrome painted with scenes from pioneer service, among them entrenching work, tunnelling, guard duty and homecoming, in the centre a pioneer with flag in front of a pontoon boat and town silhouette. Reservist mottoes all around, among them “O wie wohl ist dem zu Muth, Der seine letzte Wache thut.”, above the crowned eagle inscribed “Parole Heimath.”, on the pink ribbon a cheer to the pioneers, at the side a dedication column on the period of service with the 4th Compagnie of the Hannoversches Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 10 in Minden, below inscribed in Fraktur “Res. Stock”. Flat pewter lid with hinge, porcelain drip reservoir, long dark wooden stem with stag antler intermediate ring and articulated mouthpiece with brass ring. Hanging of green ribbon with one spun thread tassel, together with light green cord, probably added later. Condition commensurate with age, painting with strong colours, lid tarnished, ribbon faded. L. 122 cm. Like reservist steins, reservist's pipes were made as souvenirs of active service in the German Empire. The Hannoversches Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 10 was stationed in Minden in Westphalia and belonged to the X Army Corps; a pioneer battalion consisted of four companies. With gabion, spoil cart and pontoon boat, the painting takes up the everyday service of the branch.