Featured Meerschaum cigar holder Portrait? Who am I?

I don't think that is it, at least not for me. When something is beautiful, it is beautiful, whatever its use.

 

well , I luv opium sets , but don't think there will be a market for used heroin needles.

 

Beauty , is timeless...

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the more well made , the better !!

 

Sometimes I wish ladies still powdered their noses. I could so easily have a collection of compacts.

 

Davey.........those kick ass , & take names !!!
each one a little jewel..!

 

"Winston tastes good like a cigarette should." Then some grammar policeperson said that it should read "Winston takes good as a cigarette should." Made a whole other ad campaign on that! How old am I?

 

I think collecting the taboo is a decent sized pie slice of collecting as a whole. Of course it’s not everyone’s bag! I’m not sure it’s my thing either but it’s a thing for collectors overall for sure. The historical context, rarity, beauty, craftsmanship, etc., can all play into it but the naughty/taboo side of some items is an (imo) undeniable draw for some.

 

I had the former in mind firmly when thinking about this side of things. I saw a couple interesting items cross the block recently. There was a museum exhibition in the last couple years in New England somewhere with “the taboo” being the theme. It heavily featured the sets you’re interested in I believe. Can’t find a link anywhere. I’m currently watching The Knick on HBO. It’s a drama based in a turn of the century NYC hospital. They did a nice job portraying a lounge of the era. A hostess even mentioned good quality jade bowls. The set decorators did a great job and the director (Steven Soderbergh) did a good job lingering on some of the architectural details. If I recall correctly Peaky Blinders also had scenes in a London lounge that were interesting.

I bet if a poker belonging to Hendrix or Cobain crossed the block there would be a lot of morbid interest. They would be without a doubt collectible if the rich and celebrities of the modern era took the time to commission gold and silver implements. I’m sure some have. Maybe they’ll eventually make it to auction. A gold and diamond encrusted cola spoon and straw set maybe?

 

Don’t let that stop you! They can be had quite inexpensively. I ended up with a collection once at an estate sale. Value wise they are kind of like the red headed step child of the nice little box and case niche. So many pretty and interesting examples and plenty in precious metals and with quality names on them.

 

I read your post in “The Twelve Days of a Christmas” tune.

 

A poker .... well maybe the cocaine kit from a Sherlock Holmes film......
but , that's under the heading of movie prop ..... @Tiquer !!