Beschreibung:

Confederate cotton stone folk art pipe carved by POW James S. McClain at Gratiot Street Military Prison in St. Louis, MO during the Civil War. A single story large slant roof building is carved in relief on the bowl's left side, over large, deeply carved initials “J.S.M.” A crudely carved tree with bare branches is carved on the right side of the bowl over large, deeply carved letters “CS.” Front of bowl carved with incised script letters “Dec. the 25’th / 1862” (in two lines vertically). Left side of stem deep incised carved with capital letters "STMO." Overall width approx. 2.5 in.; square-shaped bowl height 2 in., with rounded edges/corners measuring approx. 1.375 in. Accompanying this pipe is a penciled note dated 1934, which reads: James S. McClain / lived at Bunceton, MO west of St. Louis 130W. Captured by northern soldiers [and] became a neighbor; had powder buried in a barn. All southern sympathizers were arrested and placed in prison at St. Louis. This pipe was made of soapstone or clay which was part of the plaster on the prison wall. The carving was done with an old fashioned iron nail, the only implement allowed prisoners. [The] house shown his home. Tree shown is cedar tree in yard. Pipe finished December 25, 1862. Presented to Rosa by her father J.S. McClain November 19, 1934. The pipe and the note were found together in a small drugstore box with original label of “V. Heartzler Clinic / Halstead, Kansas” and original stamped date of “July 1, 1934” The box, the note, and the pipe have remained together since that 1934 date. Provenance: Property of N. Flayderman & Co. Condition: Surface wear to pipe, typical considering age and use. Few small chips, nicks.