Name/Title
McKinley Meerschaum Smoking PipeEntry/Object ID
1995.1.256aDescription
A commemorative meerschaum smoking pipe carved with the likeness of William McKinley and a wood handle. It was most likely campaign memorabilia.
"Meerschaum is a very rare mineral, a kind of hard white clay. Light and porous structure of the pipe keeps the smoke cool and soft. The pipe itself is a natural filter which absorbs the nicotine. Because of this peculiarity, meerschaum pipes slowly change their colors to different tones of gold and dark brown. This adds an esthetic enjoyment to its great smoking pleasure. The longer a pipe is smoked the more valuable it becomes due to the color change. Today many old and rare meerschaums have found a permanent place in museums and private collections." *Acquisition
Accession
1995.1Source or Donor
General Museum CollectionAcquisition Method
Gift