Silver Needle Cup and Opium Needle

c. 1900

$268 SOLD

Dimensions

W: 5.0" D: 1.0" H: 1.0"

Materials

Silver
Brass

Collection #

CDKZ086

Estimated Shipping

$20

A pair of 19th-century opium accessories, including a silver needle cup and a long utensil with a scraper at one end and a needle at the other. The scraper would have been used to remove ash and waste from the interior of one's pipe, while the needle would have been used to move a ball of sticky opium paste into the pipe bowl. The silver stem cup has a narrow form decorated with archaistic characters and was used to keep needles and other small tools close to hand. Maker's mark stamped to underside of cup.

Additional Dimensions:
Needle: 5"W x 0.25"D x 0.125"H
Cup: 1"Dia x 2.5"H

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PIPE DREAMS

Beginning in the 18th century, smoking opium recreationally became an entire culture unto itself, replete with beautifully crafted paraphernalia that expressed one's good taste and refinement.

Each step of the smoking process called for a different accessory, each an opportunity to impress.

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