AMERICAN SEWER TILE / STONEWARE MINIATURE PIPE ADVERTISING PAPERWEIGHT, dark reddish-brown salt glazed surface, molded in the form of a U-shaped piece of drain pipe with three holes, sitting on a round pedestal base, having embossed lettering reading "U S C P Co" around the bend of the body. Probably Ohio. Early 20th century. 2 1/4" H, 2 3/8" D base.
Literature: Adamson - Illustrated Handbook of Ohio Sewer Pipe Folk Art, p. 57.
Catalogue Note: The miniature size of this distinctively-shaped pipe suggests it could have been used as a salesman's sample of sorts, although the wide base suggests it made an effective paperweight, with the topmost hole serving as a suitable pen or pencil holder. Adamson pictures a similar example in his book, possibly the very same example, but makes no comment about its origin. The initials could spell out "United States Clay Pipe Co.", or a similarly generic pipe manufacturer's name along those lines, likely an Ohio company, but more research is needed.

Excellent condition with a couple light nicks or shallow flakes around base edge and one around upper rim.