S/2395 Antique Treen 18th Century Mahogany Pipe Tamper

A well carved 18th century Georgian mahogany pipe tamper, in the form of a ball and claw, as often found in Chippendale dining room furniture. Note the slightly charred end, so it has been well used. Pipe tampers or stoppers were used to press down the charred tobacco to make it draw more easily. I have seen my late father doing this many times when I was a boy. The whole has a dark rich colour and patination.

Sold 2¾ in. (7 cm.) Wide
English Circa 1780