Charred Meerschaum

[stosho]

I recently bought a small lot of rough estate pipes. Among them is a Fratelli Righini meerschaum with a broken stem. Before trying to replace the stem I would like to know the following:
A. Is there anything noteworthy good or bad about this pipe?
B. How can I safely remove the char from the bowl. It is black and unsightly.
If it is not worth my time to clean this pipe up and get it to a state of smoking I will not be hurt. Give it to me straight.

 

[shaintiques]

we are going to need to see pics to make judgment calls like that.

 

[stosho]

I was afraid that would come up. I have to learn to upload my photos here. That may take some time.