The first meerschaum pipe I ever had was a mini I bought when I was ten (yes, I collected pipes as a kid.) I was overjoyed, and equally excited when I bought my first full-sized cased meerschaum (a bent brandy lattice by Paykoc) in 1999. I've eventually acquired about 26 full-size meerschaums, something like 20 in cases. I've even gotten an antique carved briar claw. But I've never found a meerschaum claw, full size, that both (a) I liked, in all respects, and (b) was also affordable. That changed last week-end, when I bought a lovely SMS claw at Rich's in Portland. But I've fawned over the incredibly-detailed antique ones and never found one that was even remotely affordable, without a broken stem anyway.
A few days ago, I found one. Had some budget surplus, put $110 on it (hoping it wouldn't go that high) and ended up paying about $95. I know it's very dusty, but I'll fix that. I'm sure it's an oxblood/dragon's blood pre-color, and the vulcanite stem might be a replacement(?) which I might replace with lucite eventually. Do the denizens here think I got a good price? Overpaid? Any idea how old this could be, pre- or post-1900?
Fixed thread title, please see rule number 9. Pertinent portion: Please capitalize words in the thread titles.
Thank you Robert.
A few days ago, I found one. Had some budget surplus, put $110 on it (hoping it wouldn't go that high) and ended up paying about $95. I know it's very dusty, but I'll fix that. I'm sure it's an oxblood/dragon's blood pre-color, and the vulcanite stem might be a replacement(?) which I might replace with lucite eventually. Do the denizens here think I got a good price? Overpaid? Any idea how old this could be, pre- or post-1900?
Fixed thread title, please see rule number 9. Pertinent portion: Please capitalize words in the thread titles.
Thank you Robert.