Cigarette holder with scrimshaw drawing

A slim cigarette holder in light, ivory-coloured material, carrying a fine incised drawing all round: a standing female figure, a bare tree, a low house. At the mouthpiece sits a dark ring.

The drawing is cut in hair-fine lines and darkened — the technique known from scrimshaw. On one side stands a woman in a long dress, on the other a bare tree above a low house, with a fence. The lines are placed confidently, without slips; someone knew what they were doing.

The material is light, with fine grain and a yellowish gradation. Bone, horn, ivory or celluloid — that cannot be decided from a photograph, and I do not claim it. This is not a minor point here: trade rules apply to ivory. It will be clarified before any sale; should it be ivory, I will withdraw the piece from the offer.

There is no photograph with a tape measure for this piece. It is about as long as a finger. I will measure it on request.

• Cigarette holder, drilled through
• Incised drawing all round: female figure, tree, house
• Dark ring at the mouthpiece
• Light material with fine grain
• Material not determined — see the note above
• No mark or signature

Good. Complete, no cracks, no chips. The bore is darkened inside — the piece has been used. The incised drawing is clearly legible throughout.