BIG African Gourd Calabash, collector or smoker?

[crazyhog]

Hi, I came across this Gourd Calabash on ebay. Definitely one of a kind and not inexpensive. Maker is Beyaz Inci from Turkey. Has a push/pull acrylic tenon/stem. I love its design, but just wondering if it may be too nice too smoke and what kind of a nightmare it would be to clean. Won't be a daily smoker for sure. Any opinions appreciated.
http://pipesmagazine.com/members/crazyhog/album/picture/31401

 

[crazyhog]

Well, spoke to seller and he recommends this as a collector's piece. He has other more practical Gourds I'm going to check out as smokers. I still love the looks of this pipe, but $650 for a decorative piece, not so much.

 

[acidpox]

I'd smoke it if I had it, of course I wouldn't spend that much on a pipe.

 

[mso489]

Just for display, I wouldn't pay that much, or for infrequent smoking either.

 

[unkleyoda]

Buy it, smoke it, enjoy it.

 

[scottfree]

I love all three of my gourd calabashes, cleaning is not as difficult as it looks. I just use mineral oil where the residue coagulates in the gourd. Let it soak in, then just use an old toothbrush to get it clean. For the Meerschaum cap, just use fine sandpaper to keep a cake from building. Cheers!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Wow!

 

[mikethompson]

That looks hugely impractical as a smoker to me. It is a very impressive pipe though.

 

[crazyhog]

Hey guys, thanks for your comments. Im working on getting this more practical, but still very nice Gourd.
http://pipesmagazine.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/album/13396/20190427_084458-600x484.jpg

 

[jpmcwjr]

 

[jpmcwjr]

.... select the full sized image, then Control-click (Mac) or Right-click (Windows) on the image itself, then choose "copy image location" or similar words. Now paste that URL (the full web address, which should end in .jpg or .png) into the IMG box in the reply window of the thread you're posting to.
The site's album is also a good choice for displaying photos, and the same method works for obtaining the image's URL for copying into the IMG box.

 

[crazyhog]

Thanks jmp.

 

[5star]

Wow - I really like that 2nd pipe pictured. The 1st one - I can't imagine myself actually trying to smoke it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Probably not a good clencher..... 8O

 

[crazyhog]

Well, I was outbid, that second pipe sold on ebay for $250. No case, unsmoked, but an estate. I can find a large new Real Gourd Calabash with Turkish block meerschaum bowl in a leather case for $300. I am looking at this one. I prefer less of a bend in the shaft and stem. Lets see if I can work out a deal.

 

[crazyhog]

Oh, I'm trying to get this IMP 9mm Meerschaum Calabash also from same seller if the price is right. I personally like 9mm filtered pipes and an IMP Meerschaum with one is pretty rare.