THIS AUCTION

We've included a number of pictures, so, be patient and treat yourself to one of the finest American Folk carvings you will ever see.  The pictures speak for themselves, but allow us a few words of elaboration.
 This carving obviously covers a number areas of collecting: Historic Black Americana; Pipe & Tobacco Collecting; Folk Art; Wood Carving; and on.  Little Black man is about 2 1/2 " tall and the pipe bowl is about 4" tall. The pipe itself is 9 3/4 inches long and is considerably larger than a normal smoking pipe, so it will not disappear into a collection and aside from a little shelf dust, the condition is nearly perfect.  Only flaws we can find are: tiny whitish spot on lip; shape of left big toe is different than the other and could be missing, but certainly not obvious; tiny crack where pipe mouth piece joins the wood; and, a pencil number "4" written on bowl.  None of these things are obtrusive or detracting and are pointed out as a courtesy to the buyer.
The man's face has wonderful expression different from every angle.  His pleated coat is yellowish poly chrome paint with tiny dark polka dots and his pants are amber with reddish checks.  Eyes seem to be glass or porcelain and teeth are undetermined white stuff. He's holding onto fine twisted brass wire, which is looped through the Alligators mouth and through little holes in his hands.  The Alligator is carved just as he should be, with excellent detail on his head, eyes, feet, back and his long tail.  There is some mossy green "swampy stuff" wrapping around the bowl of the pipe.  The bowl is hollow and has some old paper stuffed in the bottom.  We pulled the paper looking for hidden treasure, but there was none.
 The pipe stem is hollow but it has nevr been lit.
 We have no history or provenance.  We are confident it is first quarter of 20th Century and perhaps earlier.  The subjects and the wonderful patina allow us to offer an unconditional guarantee that it is approximately 100 years old.  Care went into the photography, but it is finer in person.  We've sold some outstanding things on Ebay in the last two years and this wonderful carving is as fine as you will EVER see!
  Winning bidder will not be disappointed.

 Will pack properly and ship promptly to highest bidder.
UPS INSURED SHIPPING $12.