Meerschaum pipe and leather case
This Meerschaum pipe was originally presented to the actor William Creswick in 1878, but later became the property of Sir Henry Irving in 1879. The bowl is carved with royal arms, and a long piece of curved amber forms the mouthpiece, with silver mounts. The inscription on the silver band of the pipe reads ‘William Creswick. In friendly remembrance. Brisbane, 1st Dec. 1879’. On the other silver band: ‘Sir Henry Irving’.
The silver plate on the pipes red case is inscribed with: ‘Will you play upon this pipe? Hamlet. Presented to the Eminent Tragedian, William Creswick, Esq. by a few friends and admirers. (Brisbane, Queensland) 1st Dec., 1879’. The other plate depicts his crest. It was purchased from Christie’s in the sale of Irving’s possessions in 1905.
