Where to Buy an Affordable, Good Quality, Decent Size Meerschaum?

[matchstickman]

So I've really decided I need to gets me a nice Meerschaum pipe or two. I've hunted here and there and from what I can see, the bigger site sponsors have a fairly limited selection of meerschaum pipes. The only other places I've looked that deal exclusively in Meerschaum, they're a little bit out of my league. So here's what I'm trying to find in a Meerschaum, and hopefully these criteria aren't too unrealistic:
I want something with a decent sized bowl. Doesn't have to be huge, but something that can offer a good half hour smoke at least.
Doesn't have to look overly fanciful, but a cool claw design or something a little off the wall would be bonus.
Trying to stay around the $100 range, would be willing to go as high as $150 if I find one that really sings to me.
Most of all, I want it to be of good quality. I know that among Meerschaum snobs (meersnobs? 8O) there is such a thing as "bad quality" and "good quality", but I have a feeling that a good portion of the pipes you can get through reputable dealers would be pretty decent. I know that Meerqueen has some pretty fair prices on their website, anyone here have any experience with them?

 

[jd11]

I'll be watching this one... I'm looking to pick up my first meer too. Good luck on your quest..

 

[condorlover1]

You can pick them up on Oi Vay for very little money - by that I mean the really old ones!

 

[twangthang]

Also curious as to what responses will be... Looking for me first meer as well...

 

[topd]

I've always held off showing my favorite source because I didn't want to appear that I'm advertising for her on the forum. But beings you asked directly I think I can share without breaking the rules or trouble from the moderators. Try looking on eBay at the seller "meerschaumpipes", eBay store: "Merco Meeerschaum Pipes" She has a large selection and ships quickly. On every purchase she has excepted a lower offer than her posted price. As much as 25% on occasion, but that could be because I'm a repeat customer...

 

[brass]

I picked up two estate meers from SmokingPipes.com with which I've been happy. Both were carved lattices, one a a billard, the other a calabash, each less than a hundred. I saw several with claw bowls, carved faces, and other exotic pieces. They also carry two or three lines of new meers.

 

[disinformatique]

SmokingPipes.com is a good resource if youre in the US for meers. I know a few artisans in Turkey which make affordable pipes and are well reviewed. Plus get that pipe from rsuninv, he's a great guy and awesome buddy.
Cheers,

Chris

 

[sailorjeremy]

All the meers I own I've purchased from other members here on the forum. All very good quality Altinoks for under $120. Cant beat that with a stick.

 

[apatim]

I only have one meer. Got it from AndMeershaum. Great price and so far seems to be an excellent pipe. I thoroughly enjoy smoking it. BTW, it is the one I'm smoking in my avatar.