SMOKIN’
PUGS (Antique German Pug Meerschaum Cigar Holder ): The owner of
this Victorian Cigar Holder had to smile whenever he lit up. Who
wouldn’t - looking at these 3 beautifully carved pugs seated on their
fancy fringed carpet. The pugs are carved from Meerschaum - a mineral
used to carve pipes and cigar holders for hundreds of years. Their faces
have been realistically darkened and notice their nicely carved curlicue
tails. Can’t you just picture a Victorian gentleman enjoying his after
dinner cigar with his live pugs resting on his lap? It comes with the
original case marked “FR. ROSENSTIEL”, HOLIEFERANT” & “
BERLIN U. D.
LINDEN 48”. My German friend tells me that “FR.” most likely stands for
“Friedrich”, “
U.
D. LINDEN” (Unter Den Linden) is a famous street in Berlin and – of
most interest – “HOLIEFERANT” means “Royal Warrant” or
“Purveyor to the Court” – the equivalent of the English “By
appointment of her Majesty the Queen”. Thus Rosentiel was one of the
privileged few allowed to deliver his products to the Royal Family.
Condition: Excellent. No broken ears of tails. Size: 4 1/4" long,
pug area 1 3/8" long, 1 3/8" high - holder & pugs.
