Images(8)

Carved Pipe Bowl

Date1862-1863

Possibly by John Oakford

OriginAmerica, Virginia

MediumMountain laurel root

DimensionsOverall: 3 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/8in. (7.6 x 6.4 x 3.5cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2017.708.1,A&B

DescriptionCarved pipe bowl with rounded profile, having a central motif of a hand with index finger pointed upward. Below hand is a ribbon with low relief text reading "God and our Native Land." Flanking this on the right is a ribbon reading "Don't Give Up the Flag" and on the left another with the text "Williamsburg." The socket is ringed with articulated petals, which transition into a leaf pattern which curls under the bowl. The pipe bowl is 2017.708.1,A and the stem is 2017.708.1,B.
Label TextSoldiers on both sides of the American Civil War whittled extensively. One of their favorite projects was to create tobacco pipes, which were produced by the thousands. Colonial Williamsburg's pipe bowl is the only one yet located which references the Battle of Williamsburg itself. The central emblem, a hand pointing upward, was probably copied from an envelope which was printed in Philadelphia at the outbreak of the war. These “covers” were filled with patriotic imagery that inspired the busy knives of the soldiers.

This pipe has a tradition of having been made by John Oakford at Libby Prison. Oakford was, according to the family, a Quaker who served as a teamster supplying the army. Although no documentation has been found for this type of involvement, it does appear that Oakford did eventually enlist. His enlistment, however, occurred well after the battle of Williamsburg, and it is unlikely that he would have commemorated the engagement without other association. Furthermore, there is no evidence that he was imprisoned at Libby. The pipe may have indeed been made by a Libby prisoner, and acquired by Oakford at a later point.
InscribedCarved ribbon with low relief text reading "God and our Native Land." Flanking this on the right is a ribbon reading "Don't Give Up the Flag" and on the left another with the text "Williamsburg."
ProvenanceMade or acquired by John Oakford (1839-1878) of Pennsylvania, who gave it to his daughter, Mary Oakford Reckfus (alt. Reckefus, Reckafus), who presented it to a "M.G. Steele." The pipe was subsequently acquired by collector and dealer Norman Flayderman. AARFAM purchased the object from an auction of the Flayderman's collection.