Rare Boer War P.O.W. Carved French “Oom Paul/Hungarian” Smoking Pipe

Here on offer is a rare Boer War P.O.W. carved, French “Oom Paul/Hungarian” Smoking Pipe.

The Hungarian shaped pipe is one of the most bent pipes that has ever been created. It is the favorite silhouette for smokers who like to comfortably keep their pipe at the corner of their mouth, while having their hands free to do something else. Its name comes from the old Hungarian manufacturers.

Now this style of pipe has also been called "Oom Paul" in reference to the President S.J. “Paulus” Kruger (1825-1904) of South Africa, known as “Uncle Paul” or “Oom Paul” in Dutch. who often had this type of pipe in his mouth.

These pipes where known to have been carved by Boers captured by the British and interned in P.O.W. camps.
This fine example is actually a French made pipe, with a burr wood bowl and vulcanite stem, that screws off to aid cleaning.

The metal collar is actually stamped FRANCE under a maker’s mark of a thistle inside a laurel wreath, that I can’t identify. The metal collar, which might be silver, has a few age cracks to it, but still holds in one piece.

The bowl has been skillfully carved with the details:

ANGLO BOER WAR

Below which is the profile image of Paul Kruger, with his beard but without a pipe which is unusual. This image is set in a decorated shield.

Then below this are the year dates:

1899 1900 1901

The pipe is in overall excellent condition, apart from the cracks to the collar, and looks to have had minimal use.

These pipes are very rare to find these days and make a wonderful addition to any Boer War. Collection.

The pipe measures 5” (12.7cm) high including the stem and is 4” (10.2cm) wide, also including the stem.

It weighs 65g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51473