595 - Two tobacco pipes circa 1920, shell pipe with sea shell as bowl and pipe probably of Achatit

Two tobacco pipes circa 1920, shell pipe with sea shell as bowl and pipe probably of Achatit Sea shell, Achatit, metal and wood, two tobacco pipes, circa 1920, 1) shell pipe with natural sea shell as pipe bowl, brass lid and hose, condition commensurate with age with signs of use, L. 36 cm, 2) pipe with bowl probably of Achatit (artificial stone) and metal lid on a cord, condition commensurate with age with signs of use, pipe bowl glued, L. 31 cm Shell pipes are unusual collector's items in which a natural sea shell serves as the pipe bowl. Achatit is an artificial stone that was used in the early 20th century as a substitute for meerschaum. Meerschaum, the mineral sepiolite from the group of silicates, is one of the best-known raw materials for pipe bowls; as early as the 19th century cheaper massa meerschaum pipes made from shavings and waste came into use. The pipe bowl is the front, thickened part of the pipe that holds the tobacco.