So about 4 or 5 months back I was at a local tobacconist here in New Orleans when I decided to splurge and buy myself a new pipe. When I buy a new pipe (as in not refurbished or otherwise used) I have a strange solemnity about me. I always want each "new" pipe to be of some significance. This time I decided to buy a meerschaum pipe. Now, I already have one that I bought brand new from a carver in Turkey via E-bay, but I wanted a big bowl and something with some kind of designs, not just plain.
As I peered through the glass at the offerings, I found myself drawn to CAO meerschaum. After questioning myself, my God, and the two ladies who worked there for over an hour and a half as to which (I was torn amongst three) was best, I made my decision. This pipe was carved by Ismet Bekler. Besides smoking it, I immediately googled Mr. Bekler as well as CAO and their reputation in meerschaum to further investigate what I just bought. From what I can see, unsmoked Bekler pipes are rare and hard to find. Bekler was/is a master meerschaum carver-good enough to carve his autograph into his pipes. This is what I was able to draw off of forums. Do you guys know anything else about him? CAO meerschaum? They had about 5 other Bekler/CAO pipes there. I may have to go back soon if they're a hot commodity... I took the liberty of posting some pictures for y'all. Any general meerschaum tips for me would also be appreciated. I haven't had one with this much detail in the carvings, and I'm curious about upkeep...
As I peered through the glass at the offerings, I found myself drawn to CAO meerschaum. After questioning myself, my God, and the two ladies who worked there for over an hour and a half as to which (I was torn amongst three) was best, I made my decision. This pipe was carved by Ismet Bekler. Besides smoking it, I immediately googled Mr. Bekler as well as CAO and their reputation in meerschaum to further investigate what I just bought. From what I can see, unsmoked Bekler pipes are rare and hard to find. Bekler was/is a master meerschaum carver-good enough to carve his autograph into his pipes. This is what I was able to draw off of forums. Do you guys know anything else about him? CAO meerschaum? They had about 5 other Bekler/CAO pipes there. I may have to go back soon if they're a hot commodity... I took the liberty of posting some pictures for y'all. Any general meerschaum tips for me would also be appreciated. I haven't had one with this much detail in the carvings, and I'm curious about upkeep...
