Civil War Era Meerschaum Pipe - Capt. Abner C. Fish, NYC Case

Extraordinary provenance Civil War-era meerschaum smoking pipe belonging to Union Captain Abner C. Fish, presented in its original fitted presentation case. The pipe bowl is carved meerschaum (magnesite) with a figural or organic relief carving visible in the period photograph mounted inside the lid - showing the pipe with its amber stem, decorative silver-toned collar with chain, and substantial carved bowl. The pipe stem/bowl section rests in a custom-fitted blue velvet interior recess; the amber/horn stem tip shows characteristic honey-brown coloring with amber patina from use. The case interior lining bears a maker's stamp reading 'J. Gnordberg [?] ...Nassau St. and No. Astor House Bldg., New York City' - placing this at a prestigious 19th-century New York tobacconist/pipe maker near the Astor House, a landmark hotel frequented by Civil War-era officers and dignitaries. The exterior case is leather-covered, tooled with decorative floral/scroll motifs, and bears the gold gilt lettering 'Abner C. Fish.' in period Gothic script. Case shows significant wear, cracking, and loss to leather exterior consistent with 150+ years of age. Interior blue velvet is soiled and worn but intact. The separate photo (cabinet card format) showing the complete assembled pipe is included, providing documentation of the pipe's original complete appearance with stem and chain. Provenance and named ownership by a Civil War Union officer makes this a significant American militaria and tobacciana artifact.