Calabash Help

[PApiper63]

I know a good bit about Briar pipes having collected them for years. I have recently taken an interest in Calabash pipes but I don't know anything about them. I was in an antique store yesterday and saw this calabash and this stand for a total of $50. It seems like a good deal. The pipe is in excellent condition and looks like it was only smoked a few times. I lightly cleaned the Meer bowl and stem. I also put a coat of wax on the Gourd. Other than that, I didn't do anything else. Was this an OK deal? I know prices are all over the place on eBay. There are no identifying marks on the calabash, but is there anything that any of you can tell me about this? I'm just trying to learn more. Thanks so much.

 

[RPK]

I know nothing about the care of or anything else about a Calabash pipe but seeing a picture of it would be great and I'm sure others will be able to help with your questions. And for the price you paid it sounds like a great buy.

 

[wyfbane]

A real gourd/meer calabash and stand for $50 is a great deal unless there is a chip in meer or some major stem damage.

Nice score!

 

[Homer]

The cork inside the gourd can be treated with for example lanolin cream if its too dry.
The gourd usually don't need any wax.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

I know a good bit about Briar pipes having collected them for years. I have recently taken an interest in Calabash pipes but I don't know anything about them. I was in an antique store yesterday and saw this calabash and this stand for a total of $50. It seems like a good deal. The pipe is in excellent condition and looks like it was only smoked a few times. I lightly cleaned the Meer bowl and stem. I also put a coat of wax on the Gourd. Other than that, I didn't do anything else. Was this an OK deal? I know prices are all over the place on eBay. There are no identifying marks on the calabash, but is there anything that any of you can tell me about this? I'm just trying to learn more. Thanks so much.

If you can post some pictures, the group here can probably give you some more specific advise.

But $50 for a calabash is not bad by any means.

 

[upnorth1]

Pioneer gourd pipes had no markings and they used porcelain instead of meerschaum. A picture of the pipe would help a lot. They are often sold at a cheap price. I bought one and replaced the bowl with a custom made block meer bowl. Many other unmarked gourd pipes are out there and like I said a picture or three would be nice. Fifty dollars is a good price for a gourd pipe in good shape.

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

When you've smoked it give the inside of the gourd a wipe with paper towel then leave the meerschaum cap off so it dries out. I do that with all my calabashes and it keeps them in tiptop condition. As someone else has said you should use something on the cork to keep it nourished and stop it drying out.

 

[PApiper63]

Pioneer gourd pipes had no markings and they used porcelain instead of meerschaum. A picture of the pipe would help a lot. They are often sold at a cheap price. I bought one and replaced the bowl with a custom made block meer bowl. Many other unmarked gourd pipes are out there and like I said a picture or three would be nice. Fifty dollars is a good price for a gourd pipe in good shape.

Sorry. i meant to include pics

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

Sorry. i meant to include pics

Looks like a Pioneer with a meerschaum bowl. Nice find

 

[camaguey]

Pioneer gourd pipes had no markings and they used porcelain instead of meerschaum. A picture of the pipe would help a lot. They are often sold at a cheap price. I bought one and replaced the bowl with a custom made block meer bowl. Many other unmarked gourd pipes are out there and like I said a picture or three would be nice. Fifty dollars is a good price for a gourd pipe in good shape.

Only the low priced had porcelain bowls that they call weirschum or something like that. This were 10 bucks on the Wally Frank old catalogues while the meerschaum Pioneer was around 25 by that time.

 

[Dr.Jimmy]

Only the low priced had porcelain bowls that they call weirschum or something like that. This were 10 bucks on the Wally Frank old catalogues while the meerschaum Pioneer was around 25 by that time.

Just to replace that meer bowl would cost you $75+