Mark Twain Corn Cob Pipe Authentic Artifact

Mark Twain Corn Cob Pipe Authentic Artifact, 2009
Ink on paper, 7.5x5"

Up for bid is an original drawing of an authentic corn cob pipe belonging to the late Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. The drawing is by artist, Erik Dalzen, and is titled "Mark Twain Corn Cob Pipe Authentic Artifact." Drawn with India ink on BFK tan 100% archival cotton rag paper. The drawing measures 7.5x5 inches. Unique/one-of-a-kind drawing. Original. Signed and dated on the back.

If you grow wheat just to get the chaff, you're crazy...but if you grow corn to get the cob you're smart. - Mark Twain

It is an understatement to say that Mark Twain was an avid smoker. His instrument of choice was a corn-cob pipe. The corn-cob pipe is a light pipe made from a hollowed-out cob of Indian corn that gives off a sweet smell. It colors brown with use, ultimately turning black and hence is also know as "The Missouri Meerschaum." Twain never smoked a new corn-cob pipe. In his words, "I always hire a cheap man–a man who doesn't amount to much, anyhow–who would be as well–or better–dead, and let him break in the pipe for me. I get him to smoke the pipe for a couple of weeks, then put in a new stem, and continue operations as long as the pipe holds together." This particular pipe outlived Twain and based on appearances still has quite a bit of life left. It is in excellent condition, serving as a relic of its age as well as a characteristic artifact of Twain himself.

*This is only background information about the pipe from which, the drawing was rendered. The actual pipe is not included in this auction. If you are the winning bidder you will receive a drawing in the mail shipped in a flat envelope.

Ends: 02.17.2009 18:30:52 PST Bid bid bid!

***Update***
Closed at $6.50 but high bidder did not pay.