WW1 Imperial Prussian Army Pfeife – CERAMIC RESERVIST PIPE – DRAGOON REGT. NO. 7

You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of a WW1 Imperial Prussian Military Reservists Ceramic Smoking Pipe! This once belonged to a member of theWestphalian Lt. Dragoon Regiment No. 7!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 and pewter, this Reservist's Pipe is in NICE used condition! It featuresa hand-painted ceramic bowl with detailed and colorful scenes including a mounted dragoon and patriotic imagery, along with multiple inscriptions and a roster of reservists as described in the accompanying information.The painted decoration remains CLEAR and ATTRACTIVE overall, and isnamed toReservist Gitzenof theWestphalian Lt. Dragoon Regiment No. 7.It also denotes his service period circa 1895–1898, with additional text including 'Parole Heimat!' and other commemorative service inscriptions. The pipe retains its original pickelhaube-style lid, though the chin strap is no longer present. The bowl shows NO REPAIRS but does exhibit some age-related wear and yellowing. The stem is constructed of wood with a flexible section that has a visible crack (see photos). Some components show light looseness consistent with age,Overall, a VERY NICE and desirable Imperial German reservist pipe, PERFECT for any collection or display!