576 - Meerschaum and amber cigarette holder in the form of a bird of prey's claw, carved, in case

Meerschaum and amber cigarette holder in the form of a bird of prey's claw, carved, in case Meerschaum and amber, carved cigarette holder in the form of a bird of prey's claw, finely worked scaly skin, the curved talons grasping an amber-coloured tube with a light, flared head piece and beaded rim, amber-coloured, slightly curved mouthpiece. In a fitted brown case with blue lining and metal clasp. Used condition commensurate with age, one talon glued, mouthpiece broken and glued, signs of wear. L. 12.5 cm The cigarette holder served not only as a fashionable accessory, it also cooled the smoke before it was inhaled. In the 19th century the cigarette holder was part of the equipment of the smoker, who carried it with him in a case of its own. Figurally carved holders frequently show animal motifs; the motif of the bird of prey's claw grasping a tube is found on cigarette holders of the 19th and early 20th centuries in various materials.