hanksdollars
2 days ago
WINES SPIRITS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Carved ivory cigarette holder tip
Key Facts & Value
Key Fact
Description
This is a finely carved ivory or bone figurine, possibly a pipe tamper, featuring intricate floral and foliate details. It is presented in its original velvet-lined presentation case, which has a worn leather exterior and a brass clasp. The figurine has a cylindrical top and a flared, decorative base. A small round label inside the case reads 'W.E. MEE & CO'. The overall aesthetic suggests it is an antique item from the Victorian era.
History
The Victorian era was a period of significant artistic and industrial development, marked by a fascination with intricate craftsmanship and decorative objects. Companies like W.E. MEE & CO often catered to this demand, producing and retailing fine goods. Items like this pipe tamper would have been functional yet beautiful, reflecting the owner's status and appreciation for artistry during that time.
Facts
The carving on this piece is remarkable, showcasing the skill of artisans who worked with materials like ivory or bone. Such items were often personal accessories, and their survival in original cases speaks to their value and the care with which they were kept. The maker's mark provides a direct link to the historical commercial landscape of the period.
Value Fact
Antique pipe tampers and decorative carvings from the Victorian era, especially those in good condition with original cases, can fetch considerable sums. The rarity of the piece, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the provenance, including the maker's mark, are key factors influencing its market value. Collectors often seek out such unique historical artifacts.
Item Details
Official Details
Variation Details
Collectibles.com is operated by Collectbase Inc., a Delaware corporation. Collectible valuations, price estimates, and AI-assisted identifications are provided for informational and reference purposes only and do not constitute professional appraisals, financial advice, or guarantees of market value. Trademarks, card images, and intellectual property belonging to third-party rights holders are displayed solely for identification, valuation reference, and collection management purposes; Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any such rights holders. User-generated content reflects the views of individual community members and not those of Collectbase Inc. This platform may earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases made through third-party links. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, and Collectbase Inc. shall not be liable for any damages arising from use of this platform or reliance on its content. For full details governing your use of this platform and our privacy practices, see our Terms of Service and PrivacyPolicy.
© 2026 Collectbase Inc. All rights reserved.
This site and associated apps contain copyrighted material including card images, trademarks, and text belonging to The Pokémon Company International, Nintendo, GAME FREAK inc., Wizards of the Coast, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, NHL Enterprises, L.P., Topps, Panini America, Inc., Upper Deck, and all other respective rights holders. Such material is displayed solely for the purposes of identification, pricing reference, collection management, and to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of physical collectibles by collectors. Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the foregoing entities, and no challenge to their intellectual property rights or ownership is intended or implied.