Rare early (the very
first)
American meerschaum pipe maker
F.J Kaldenberg Manufacturer leather case.
Excellent condition. Brass clasp/hinges work and leather is in pretty decent condition.
Marked:
"Paris 1867
(Exposition)"
1867 Paris Exposition: World's Fair held in Paris, France in 1867)
(French: 1867 The Exposition Universelle)
3 addresses of the company:
"
No. 6 John Street
No. 71 Nassau Street
No. 6 Astor House B'way (Broadway)
New York City
"
Frederick William Kaldenberg (the father, Germany-born immigrant) began making meerschaum pipes in 1855, the first in the U.S.A.
Kaldenberg won bronze medal at 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle (competing against 90+ other manufacturers from London, Munich, Paris, Dresden, Ruhla, and Vienna) for “best meerschaum goods”, becoming the first American pipe company to be honored by a foreign country.
During the Paris 1867 Expo, a Paris gentleman offered to purchase the winning "Macbeth pipe" for 10,000 francs (~ $40,000 in today's money), and the offer was rejected.
Frederick Julius Kaldenberg (the son) was brought into the business in 1867. The name of the company changed to "Kaldenberg & Son" and later to "F.J Kaldenberg Manufacturer".
This piece was probably from later 1860's or 1870's.
For measurements, see photos.
It's quite large: 4 x 3 3/4 inch and 2 1/4 inch thick.
It seems the stem was outside the case, and it must be a long stem to hold this huge meerschaum bowl !
Very hard to find.
Add it to your collection !