Meerschaum
Handcrafted Pipes from Turkey
~ An Elegant Smoking Experience ~
Meerschaum is a mineral (magnesium silicate). Over many eons, seashells and corals have crumbled, and formed sedimentary deposits that are compressed by wave action and plate movement. Pieces of this material occasionally wash up along the coast of the North Sea. It's name is from the German word meaning sea-foam, which it is said to resemble.
Only the purist meerschaum, mined in a small area in Turkey, is suitable for making pipes. It is a very permeable material, and darkens with use - turning through shades of pink, yellow, brown, reddish brown and eventually black. Pipes made from this mineral have a cool, airy smoking character.
When first mined, meerschaum is the consistency of hard cheese or soft clay. While it is still soft, it can easily be carved into busts, figures, and intricate patterns. Some of the more popular motifs include an eagle's talon holding an egg, Greek gods, Cavalier, Sultan, animals, statesmen, pirates, skulls and dragons. Celtic, lattice, and other ornamental carving patterns are often employed. Many traditional shapes are made as well. After carving, the piece is cured and allowed to dry. It is then dipped in wax to finish. Some say that touching a meerschaum pipe while it is being smoked will leave fingerprints in the wax, causing it to color unevenly. The pipe was made to be smoked, it will eventually color over any impressions and oils left behind by fingerprints.
We carry a variety of shapes, styles and sizes starting at $45.00. Follow the links for current stock from SMS Meerschaum.
