Antique Figural Pipe Tamper Heavy Brass Manneken Pis or Little Boy Urinating in a Fountain
Description: A very nice heavy brass pipe tamper. This brass tamper depicts a Manneken Pis or the famous landmark small bronze sculpture in Brussels, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. Boy is standing on a pedestal type base with a round bottom. The round bottom measures ~3/4" in diameter (~21mm) is flat and smooth and represents the tamping disk. The piece shows details of the boy including his hands holding his penis, his head with hair , eyes, and additional features. The piece must have shown more details in the past but now has considerable wear to the surface from age and use. The piece is nice, solid and heavy which makes it feel great in your hand. It shows some residue of cleaning material used to clean it between the legs and between the arms and the body. The piece also has a few scratches, and surface soiling indicating that it was well used. A great piece to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Some time during the 1800's.
Origin: Uncertain, but most likely somewhere in Europe.
Size: The tamping end measures ~21mm in diameter and is ~49 mm (almost 2") long. The piece itself weighs about 36.5 grams or ~1.3 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is definitely a nice brass figural pipe tamper that would make a great addition to your collection. A true antique that is great looking and in great condition. You can add it to your collection or you can use it with pride when smoking your pipe, it will make a great conversation piece.
Condition: It is in very good condition despite its age and utilitarian function. It has no cracks, hairlines, breaks, or repairs. The piece has a few scratches, general wear and some soiling. The piece must have shown more details in the past but now has considerable wear to the surface from age and use. It shows some residue of cleaning material between the legs and between the arms and the body. The piece also has a few scratches, and surface soiling indicating that it was well used. Much of the original detail is worn off and the piece is smooth where it would be held for use. It would benefit from a good cleaning, but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. Please see photos for additional condition information.
