Big Ben Pipe Question - Meerschaum Bowl

[jerry]

Hi - I've always liked those Big Ben pipes, briar with a meerschaum bowl insert, like a small calabash. Does anyone know if the meerschaum used in these pipes is block, or pressed? Thanks!

 

[uberam3rica]

Probably pressed, because Turkey banned the exportation of raw meerschaum in the 60s.

 

[jerry]

Deniz Ural confirms - pressed. Now my lust for it has diminished... ;-)