Beschreibung:

American, ca 1865. Folk art carved pipe having lobed basin inscribed with battles experienced by Major Robert Burns of the 4th Michigan Cavalry. Pipe is set with silver rim and retains smooth, dry surface; lg. 3 in. Robert Burns enlisted into the Union Army in 1862 at the age of 29, commissioned into the "C" Company of the Michigan 4th Cavalry as a 1st Lieutenant. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Major in December of 1864, and receiving the honor of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel as the war came to a close in April of 1865. Burns and the 4th Michigan participated in the capture Jefferson Davis and his companions after Appomattox, the report of which he co-signed with Captain Hathaway of the 4th Michigan. Provenance: Estate of Jan Sorgenfrei