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The pipe features a hinged metal lid and mount with a small, heavily worn hallmark. The upper character appears to be the letter “L”, while the worn numerals below appear to read “12” or “13”.
This marking may be consistent with an early Austrian Empire silver assay mark. In the pre-1867 Austrian hallmarking system, the letter “L” was used for the Trieste (Triest) assay office, while numbers such as 12 or 13 indicated the silver standard in the traditional Lot system.
Due to the age and wear of the hallmark, the numerals, date and complete assay mark cannot be read with certainty. The Trieste / Austrian Empire attribution and silver standard therefore remain possible rather than definitively confirmed. Original and enlarged close-up photographs of the hallmark are included so collectors can examine the mark themselves.
The pipe retains its long stem and traditional hinged lid, giving it the characteristic appearance of Central European meerschaum pipes of the 19th century.
Key features:
- Period: 19th century, likely mid-19th century
- Origin: Central Europe / possibly Austrian Empire
- Bowl: Appears to be meerschaum (sepiolite), with age-related patina
- Mount/lid: Metal, possibly silver
- Hallmark: Worn mark with a clearly visible character resembling “L” and possible “12” or “13” below
- Possible assay office: Trieste (Triest), Austrian Empire
- Style: Long-stemmed smoking pipe
- Lid: Hinged
- Condition: Antique, pre-owned condition with age-related wear, oxidation, patina and signs of use. Please examine all photographs carefully.
The hallmark has not been professionally authenticated, the metal has not been independently tested, and no claim is made regarding a specific maker. The attribution above is based on the visible characteristics of the hallmark and is provided for reference only.
A distinctive antique piece for collectors of meerschaum pipes, historic smoking accessories and 19th-century Central European objects.
Feel free to message me for additional photographs or measurements.
