1800s WDC Meerschaum pipe w/ silver, amber, bone; owned by Civil War veteran.

Description

I didn't know whether to list this as an Estate Pipe or Antique because it fits into both categories.
Pipe collectors will recognize the William Demuth Company as one of the longest operating pipe manufactures in the United States, from 1862 until 1971. They produced beautiful meerschaum pieces early on, something that did not go unnoticed by meerschaum connoisseur (and President) James Garfield, who received a special set of WDC meerschaum pipes at his inauguration in 1881 (Demuth continued to present each president with an inauguration set until Hoover). This is no presidential pipe, but it is a shining example of some of the finest meerschaums available in the 19th century.
As far as I can tell, everything is original: the stem appears to be amber with only a little chatter at the bit, and - most remarkably - the original bone tenon is intact. More than that, the stem fitting is tight, which is very unusual for a pipe of this age. The silver is gorgeous, and the exterior of the meerschaum has only minimal scratches and nicks for its age. Absolutely no cracks. I cleaned the entire pipe and even smoked it - this is not just a museum piece, I can attest that it functions perfectly! No issues with the chamber or draw whatsoever. Only the case looks a bit worn, but it is intact and the clasp still clicks shut, another oddity given its age!
Now, as for the unique history of this particular piece: the pipe came to me with a handwritten note in the bowl. (Pictured.) The pipe apparently first belonged to a William Henry Fell, who died in 1901. Fell was a member of the Union Army during the Civil War, specifically part of the 11th Regiment of the Illinois infantry. My research tells me that he was wounded in the battle of Shiloh and discharged in 1862 (the same year the William Demuth Company was established). He is buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery, you can Google an image of his grave if you wish. There is no information to suggest the exact age of the pipe - when Fell would have acquired it, etc. - but it was passed down to a family member when he died in 1901, so certainly no later than the turn of the century. The pipe ultimately wound up in the possession of his grandson, Austin Davison (whoever that is). I assume that the pipe was inherited and sold by someone after Davison's death, someone who had the good sense to indicate its lineage.
So, this pipe is not only a shining example of a one of the great American pipe manufacturers, but it is possibly also a Civil War relic, or at least possessed by one. I have no idea if this increases the pipe's value, so I am setting the price slightly higher than what would be reasonable for a well-preserved WDC meerschaum from this era (with an otherwise unknown history) and will keep it open to offers. Please let me know if you have any questions, and especially if you have any relevant information about the pipe or personage.