Can Anyone Identify These Marks?

[vwg8]

A. This is my CAO meerschaum and the marks are located on the bottom of it, does anyone know what they are?
B. Also, the pipe does not sit up very good on it's own so I've thought about modifying the shape of the bottom using sandpaper, it this a good idea? if not, any suggestions?
Thanks for your input.

 

[topd]

Those aren't any kind of identifying marks. They are design marks, most likely put there to cover up a flaw in the meerschaum.

I highly recommend you not modify the shape of your pipe, especially with sandpaper. You'll never get it smooth again unless you have the minute abrasives and finally the reed the Turks use for final polishing. You'll have to retreat with beeswax also.

 

[pstlpkr]

+1 Topd.

Sometimes those are used as a theme or an accent, but by-in-large they are used to cover up minor flaws.

 

[maineyachtie]

Seems to me that is a very common decorative marking on meers.
@topd: You just taught me something about the reed polishing. Going to research it more now. Thanks.

 

[maineyachtie]

Didn't find anything about polishing, but I did find this little film on meer carving. Do bear with the annoying production it's worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqBD4lCHUJo&feature=related

 

[topd]

Hey maineyachtie... that's a cool video. Ya know, I don't know positively that they still use a reed or course grass for final polishing anymore. With all the new devices and tools around now-a-days, for all I know they use the back side of Duct Tape! I know how they did it in the seventies as I was in Eskiehir and had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with a master.

I do know that sanding a pipe to make a repair, or trying to fix a poorly made pipe my be worth trying. But I wouldn't go sanding on a nice pipe because it doesn't set right on the rack or shelf. I like my pipes in my hand... I never set a meer on the shelf.... Put it away in it's container that the carver made to fit that pipe, and no other. Meerschaums don't need resting or airing out, it'll be fine in the case. Smoke 'em all you want. I usually put mine aside a few days when it gets heavy, the moisture will dry out, then go at it again.

 

[ohin3]

Very cool video. Makes me want to carve a block of meerschaum.

 

[smooth]

carve? not me. I wanna be the guy in the hole. What a fun looking job!