Well I acquired this pipe a couple of years ago. I take it to every show and so far not much interest has been shown. It’s soapstone and rather rustic looking. What’s your opinion on it? Real or Fake
I am on the fence with it. It has the appearance of being pecked. I don't think soapstone AKA steatite, was pecked, maybe so. It could be those are imperfections in the stone.
soapstone when mined for use and fresh is soft and carved I believe. most of the steatite pipes I have seen, and I have one, are darker in appearance.
I agree with Up-North that its more likely late 1800s to early 1900s.