Around 200. I started in 1969 (mostly smoked Balkan Sobranie, Dunhill blends, and a blend I bought at the 8th Street Smoke Shop in Greenwich Village NYC called "8th Street.")
Thanks for the input, friends. I was thinking of Halcyon to protect the meer, not to assist in coloring. By the way, Fred can usually be "found" at the All Things Meerschaum social group at Smokers Forum. Lots of great info there.
Yes, Stephen Willet is the current owner of Peretti's. I had a very enjoyable visit with him.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-j-peretti-co-boston?select=Uakh_VRP9fR_y-QTN8_Ztw#Uakh_VRP9fR_y-QTN8_Ztw