Large Tyrolean reservist pipe, wood, horn, porcelain, Dragon, Germany, 20th century
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Large German Imperial reservist pipe, known as a Tyrolean pipe, made of polychrome porcelain, walnut wood, and stag horn. Assembled in several sections (the so-called Cavalier system, in German Gesteckpfeife = pipe with interlocking sections). Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment. Early 20th century. Provenance: private collection of Gilbert Guyot*
This pipe is in good condition. A fine example of Tyrolean pipes, characterized by their structure with a diamond-shaped (or teardrop-shaped) receptacle located beneath the bowl. This allowed for the trapping of moisture and tobacco juice. This particular diamond is engraved with the name of its owner, Wilhelm Rey, who served in the army from 1906 to 1909.
The decoration on the porcelain bowl of the pipe is also very interesting. The regiment indicated is the 2nd Squadron of the 18th Dragoon Regiment of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg, based in Pachim. The owner's name is Dragoon Ballerman (service from 1900 to 1903) with the famous German imperial motto "Sieg oder Tod!" (Victory or Death!). The illustration faithfully depicts a Dragoon (cavalryman) in full charge. On the other side is the complete list of comrades.
We are therefore dealing with a pipe that has been reassembled (Dragon Ballermann bowl) with the wooden receptacle of the Dragon Rey, a very common occurrence in the world of collecting similar antique pipes.