This is a fabulous circa 1840 catlinite pipe and ornate file branded stem from the Eastern Sioux. Provenance: the ex-collection of Michael Higgins. The piece exhibits an elbow pipe carved of catlinite pipe stone with deep, rich red coloring with pink speckling. The bowl is slightly angled towards the stem, a unique feature, and the top of the bowl has a convex rounded top. The stem is carved of solid wood showing a classic Eastern Sioux pattern with tapering ends and a shield-like oval center artfully adorned with file branding and bands of unbranded lines. The bowl has a deep, rich patina with shiny surface and nicely smoked bowl, the stem has a nice dark even coloring, both a nice original patina from honest age and use. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Michael D. Higgins of Tucson, Arizona an ATADA member (Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association) and a private Arizona collection. This pipe is very similar to the mid-19th Century Great Lakes pipe and stem from the Jim Ritchie collection sold by the Cowan’s in their 2016 sale for $10,880 (w/ bp) which shows the same tapering ends with shield-like center and is paired with an elbow pipe with convex rounded top. The pipe overall measures 24.5" with the bowl itself measuring 3.75" x 3" x 1 3/8". The stem is 22.25"L x 2.5"W at it's widest point.*