WW1 Imperial Prussian Army Pfeife – CERAMIC PIPE BOWL – HUSSAR REGT. 11 – NICE!

You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of a WW1 Imperial German Military Reservist Ceramic Smoking Pipe Bowl! This is a named example to Wilhelm Hoffmann of Hussar Regiment No. 11, dated 1886, and features classic cavalry-themed decoration along with period inscriptions including 'Sieg oder Tod' (Victory or Death) and additional personalized text relating to his service.These Regimental Pipes(Reservistenpfeifen)were primarily made from 1890 to 1914 and were commissioned by active duty servicemen who were coming to the end of their mandatory service. The government-mandated service was somewhat unique — men signed up at age 17 and would sign up with a specific regiment. They then stayed with that regiment for their entire term of service, including training. After completing their term, they entered into the reserves until the age of 45. For those who wanted to commemorate their service, some forethought had to be given.Typically, a group of enlisted would order their souvenirs together to reduce costs, and even then, these souvenirs would cost five to seven week's wages. Understandably, only 10% of servicemen were able to purchase these. The most popular was a walking stick (the least expensive), followed by beer steins (the most collected item today), and then ceramic hand pipes, picture frames, and schnapps flasks. Once brought home, these mementos would often be displayed on a shelf or in a cabinet rather than be used.The Pipes typically featured detailed ceramic bowls with hand-painted scenes, regimental references, patriotic imagery, and inscriptions relating to the soldier's unit and period of service.Made of ceramic with a metal lid, this Reservist Pipe Bowl is in VERY NICE used condition! It is a bowl-only example with attached porcelain shank and original metal lid, but does not retain a stem and cannot be used as a complete pipe. The hand-painted decoration remains CLEAR and ATTRACTIVE, featuring a cavalryman along with period motifs and inscriptions including the motto 'Sieg oder Tod.' The piece is named toWilhelm Hoffmannand dated1886, with additional script referencingHussar Regiment No. 11and what appears to beBochum. The ceramic shows NO cracks chips or repairs, with strong paint quality throughout and only minor age-related handling wear. The metal lid shows some oxidation consistent with age but remains intact. Overall, a VERY NICE and desirable Imperial German cavalry reservist pipe bowl, PERFECT for any collection or display!