First Meerschaum & Newbie on here!!!

huntsitall · Aug 17, 2015

Hey everyone. I'm a newbie here to the site. Been smoking a pipe since 1988. Never really been a pipe collector but stumbled across this one and really liked it. I'm somewhat knowledgeable about the maker but that's about it. Would anyone happen to know the approximate age of it or if it's rare. Hopefully the pictures post. lol I'm not exactly computer savvy.

meerqueen · Aug 17, 2015

It is an antique work probably from end of 1800's.the price would be around 200-300$

huntsitall · Aug 17, 2015

Thanks meerqueen!!

Chasing Embers · Aug 17, 2015

Wow, I like that one! Welcome to the forum, and congrats on that beautiful meer!

condorlover1 · Aug 17, 2015

These were sometimes known as 'Doctor's Pipes' as the anatomical detail shown in the carving was as closed to an actual human skull as possible. That is an extremely fine version you have there that even posits the sinus bones with amazing attention to detail. Whilst skull bowls are quite common good or even very good and intricately carved skull bowls from the third quarter of the 19th century that are anatomically correct command very high prices.

jpmcwjr · Aug 17, 2015

Welcome! Gorgeously presented rarity. Nice to see a newbie can post good photos right into the site. I have a meer of possibly that age- it's got quite a patina on the lower half, but not nearly as finely carved, and no case, either.

huntsitall · Aug 17, 2015

Thank you for all the comments. This may sound stupid but would anyone even consider smoking it or should this be just a show piece. I've cautiously cleaned it up (mainly all the dirt you see in the crevices) and it looks absolutely beautiful and the smell from the bowl is unreal. lol

condorlover1 · Aug 17, 2015

All my pipes are 100+ years old and thats all I smoke. You might want to get a 'Pipe Condom' for the mouth piece so you don't get teeth chatter or bite through the stem by accident but I see no reason not to enjoy the pipe by using it. One final thought is do use the very thin pipe cleaners or the fluffy ones used and sold by modeling shops otherwise you may get a stem casualty. I am sure I don't need to remind you not to try dismantling the stem from the shank unless absolutely necessary as more pipes wind up on a one way trip to the hospital through this activity than any other.

jpmcwjr · Aug 17, 2015

And smoke it sitting down, hopefully in a soft couch or chair, thick carpets underneath. Then you'll be guaranteed to not drop it!
At least for me, only when I forget I am smoking an antique do I forget and get up, sometimes with unfavorable outcomes, especially if I go outside.

jonasclark · Aug 17, 2015

I agree: late 1800s, and EXTREMELY high-quality carving. If you paid less than $150, you stole it. It's beautiful and it appears to have its original amber stem. I rarely see skull pipes so well-carved. Case is in excellent shape, and the bones below are a detail I haven't seen before! That's one heck of a "my first meerschaum"!

huntsitall · Aug 17, 2015

Thanks guys. I can't wait to fire it up now. Jonasclark I paid $200 for it. Like I said I've never been into collecting them but when I came across this one I had to have it. I have no intentions on selling it to make a profit so I figured I'd risk $200 on it. Besides like you said the detail in it is amazing, plus it's in great condition including the case for it. I really appreciate all the great advice guys. Thanks!!!

weezell · Aug 17, 2015

Very, very nice Brother...

brian64 · Aug 18, 2015

That's a really cool old meer and a very good carving...congrats. Thanks for sharing.

smokinfireman · Aug 18, 2015

Beautiful pipe. Wish craftsmanship was as good today as it was then. You got a good'un there! Welcome to the forums.

huntsitall · Aug 18, 2015

Thanks guys for the nice comments. I have to admit since I found this pipe I think I might be hooked now. LOL I can see myself collecting more in the near future.
Also I was going to ask your opinions on Savellini pipes. I'm considering getting a new daily pipe and really like the look of some of the Savellini's but don't know much about them. Are they good smokers? I noticed they were a little pricey but wondered if they were worth it. Thanks guys!!!

jonasclark · Aug 21, 2015

Good buy all right!

First Meerschaum & Newbie on here!!!

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