** Rare ** 1867 Paris Expo - F.J. Kaldenberg Meerschaum Pipe Leather Case For Sale

Rare early (the very first) American meerschaum pipe maker F.J Kaldenberg Manufacturer leather case.
Excellent condition. Brass clasp/hinges work and leather is in pretty decent condition.
Marked:
"Paris 1867(Exposition)"
1867 Paris Exposition:World's Fair held in Paris, France in 1867)(French: 1867 The Exposition Universelle)
3 addresses of the company:"No. 6 John StreetNo. 71 Nassau StreetNo. 6 Astor House B'way (Broadway)New York City"Frederick William Kaldenberg (the father, Germany-born immigrant) began making meerschaum pipes in 1855, the first in the U.S.A.
Kaldenberg won bronze medal at 1867Paris Exposition Universelle(competing against90+ other manufacturers from London, Munich, Paris, Dresden, Ruhla, and Vienna) for “best meerschaum goods”, becoming the first American pipe company to be honored by a foreign country.
During the Paris 1867 Expo, a Paris gentleman offered to purchase the winning "Macbeth pipe" for 10,000 francs (~ $40,000 in today's money), and the offer was rejected.
Frederick Julius Kaldenberg (the son) was brought into the business in 1867. The name of the company changed to "Kaldenberg & Son" and later to"F.J Kaldenberg Manufacturer".
This piece was probably from later 1860's or 1870's.
For measurements, see photos.It's quite large: 4 x 3 3/4 inch and 2 1/4 inch thick.It seems the stem was outside the case, and it must be a long stem to hold this huge meerschaum bowl !
Very hard to find.
Add it to your collection !