Let me start by saying thanks in advance! I chose this forum because most every question found here has been answered thoroughly and thoughtfully.
I found this Lap pipe in a trunk of my grandfathers after he passed. He purchased the pipe while living in Romania working as a diplomat in 1947.
using the resources found on this site I can make out **I think** that it was made in 1829 in vienna, and the silver is 13 loth could someone please help me identify the maker? it appears the makers mark is either AM, or HM
if it is AM could that be 'Mengetti, Tobias Active: 1828-61'
If im correct about the maker, then that would make this one of his first pieces in a very long career
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610159@N ... otostream/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610159@N ... otostream/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610159@N ... otostream/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There is a very faint 'A" above the date that is just visible with a magnifying glass.
ADMIN PHOTO EDIT
Also the meerschaum has a mark on it as well...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610159@N ... otostream/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
here are some pics of the whole lappipe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610159@N ... otostream/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also here is the hungarian wiki page of I. Ferenc Magyar.. What is interesting about this page, is the painting of I. Ferenc Magyar is the exact scene portrayed on the pipe itself. Very cool, Very interesting.
http://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._Ferenc_ ... ir%C3%A1ly" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I find it interesting that this pipe was carved with this image while the king was still alive. When I first found the pipe it looked to me like a commemorative piece that would have been made after the king had passed, but it was clearly made 6 years before he died, so it cant commemorate his reign.
I would like to find out more about this piece, having cobbled together a good bit of knowledge from this site, its a great resource.
Any information is helpful to me, I'm curious to know who carved the meerschaum, and if the silversmith, and carver worked often together?
I know this is a silver forum, and that I'm asking about meers, as well as silver - but ive run aground and you guys here seem to know your stuff.
Also if anyone knows any good meerschaum boards id appreciate being pointed toward them as ive not found an adequate meerschaum discussion board despite my extensive search. I also have a couple other silver/meerschaum pieces, but I will inquire about each piece individually. thanks again in advance