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What was Einstein smoking?

"He would smokelessly cradle the bowl in hand or clench the stem between his teeth while he did his deepest thinking."

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3 years ago on
(RR Auction via SWNS)

By Brelaun Douglas via SWNS

A collection of pipes owned by Albert Einstein, including one carved with a ‘wise owl,’ are estimated to sell for at least $50,000 at auction later this month.

The nine smoking devices come with a wooden, menorah-style holder, which the Nobel Prize-winner used for display and easy access.

The legendary German physicist was known for his pipe-smoking habits and many images are in existence of the messy-haired genius holding one while working.

“In later years when he curbed his tobacco use on doctor's orders, he could not bear to give up the tactile experience," said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction, the Boston-based company that is holding the sale.

"He would smokelessly cradle the bowl in hand or clench the stem between his teeth while he did his deepest thinking.

"Upon joining the Montreal Pipe Smokers Club in 1950, Einstein reportedly said: 'I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs.'"

While the majority of the pipes are simple and rustic in form, two are quite decorative.

Livingston said: “One has a carved owl design, perhaps given to Einstein as a gift symbolizing his wisdom, and another white pipe features an intriguing design of a foot kicking a ball.

“The wooden holder has flexible slots to support the stems of eight pipes and resembles the form of a menorah — a unique and interesting homage to Einstein's [Jewish] heritage.”

The auction also features JFK's diary from his 1945 summer travels through post-war Europe, including notes on his viewing of the charred remains of Hitler’s bombed-out bunker in Berlin

In the diary, Kennedy documented his personal observations and perceptions as he followed Winston Churchill during his reelection campaign, his travels to Ireland, France, and the Potsdam Conference in Germany.

“This incredible manuscript reveals his insightful views and predictions of the world around him at an early age – a man who would, sixteen years later, become America’s 35th President,” said Livingston.

The 61-page diary, with 12 handwritten and 49 typed pages, is estimated to sell for $750,000.

Anne Revere’s Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress,' for her performance in ‘National Velvet’ is tipped to sell for $150,000 in the same auction.

“This trophy, awarded for her part in the classic horse racing film, represents her only win,” said Livingston.

“A direct descendant of the patriot Paul Revere, she was steadfast in her ideals and stood in vocal opposition to the House Un-American Activities Committee—a stance that effectively ended her career in movies.”

A handwritten poetry book from Bonnie Parker – of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde –penned in 1932 while she was jailed in Texas, is estimated to sell for $50,000.

Livingston said: “This was Parker's first and only arrest, and she stewed in jail for about two months before being released on June 17th, after the jury failed to indict her.”

The auction runs until September 25. For more information visit, rrauction.com.

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