19th Century Sioux T pipe with puzzle stem. Unique mouthpiece on stem. File burnt tip. T pipe with conical top, pointed tip, and raised fin having punched holes. A used piece. Pipe 8" x 4" overall 32"
The original owner was a Civil War Captain Harvard P. Smith who served under Berdan in the U.S. Sharp Shooters. He acquired it between 1888 and 1891 near Fort Pierre, South Dakota. There is a progression ownership from that time. There is a handwritten note glued onto the stem reading "Indian Peace Pipe. Cap. H.P. Smith. Purchased in…" The pipe is a classic Sioux T pipe with a catlinite T bowl and hole punched fin and stick figures scratched into the bottom. The stem is what is called a puzzle stem made of ash and would appear to be original.
We would date the pipe in the late 1870s - early 1880s as a personal pipe as indicated by the stick figures and not meant for resale. It was a used piece prior to Captain Smith's acquisition. The collection history and etched stick figures adds to the value of the piece.
PERIOD: 19th Century
ORIGIN: Great Plains - Sioux, Native American
SIZE: Pipe 8" x 4" overall 32"