Inherited Collection of (mostly) Meerschaum

[glem]

I inherited my grandfather's collection of pipes some time ago. Being a relative outsider to the pipe smoking world, I'm hoping to get some feedback on what exactly I have, and also just sharing this neat heirloom.

I don't know the dates of carving or acquisition on any of the pipes. Several of them have a hard case with a "Finest Quality Genuine Block Meerschaum GOLDEN HORN" label. One has a carved signature "Ismet Bekler". I imagine it's difficult to trace a pipe with no maker's mark to a specific artist, but I welcome any resources or advice.

Most if not all of these pipes are well-used, though they likely haven't been smoked in a decade or longer. Some don't have a stem, though the collection has a handful of spare stems that don't seem to fit any of the stemless pipes. The long, ornate pipe is in need of repair--the stem is falling apart. One of the tusks of the elephant fell off many years ago and needs to be reattached.

I'd like to display these, but first they need to be cleaned. Several of them are dirty (I understand that the amber color of used meerschaum is inherent to the material). Are there any specific cleaning techniques to use or avoid for meerschaum pipes?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Very nice collection- the Bekler meers are quite collectible.
That elephant is not a common shape - really cool!

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

That is a fine example of “generational wealth “

 

[Fuelman]

I love the one with all the roses on the bowl.

 

[sablebrush52]

They all look to be well carved, so older pieces. Stems can be made to replace the missing ones. Overall, a very nice collection. I didn't see any collectibles amongst the briars. Your meerschaums are the stars. Valuation is completely subjective. Some of these could go for several hundred dollars apiece and others could go for around $100 apiece.

As for cleaning? Google is your friend:

how do you clean meerschaum pipes - Google Search

 

[anotherbob]

Honestly I wouldn't clean them. I don't know what you want to do with them but the most I would do is wipe dust off them with a fine soft cloth. If you want to sell them the buyer can clean them how they like, if you want to smoke them I don't think they need any special cleaning.
And yes you got some special pipes there. With Meer in a way it comes down to the carver and that's a name I have heard before. But mainly they just look amazing and probably smoke great.

 

[sardonicus87]

I like how with the meers, you can tell which ones are probably the most beloved (or at least the oldest). The shank on that stemless one on the bottom left...

 

[Non-Mentholated Black Man]

Honestly I wouldn't clean them. I don't know what you want to do with them but the most I would do is wipe dust off them with a fine soft cloth. If you want to sell them the buyer can clean them how they like, if you want to smoke them I don't think they need any special cleaning.

↑ I concur. ↑

 

[Sobrbiker]

↑ I concur. ↑

Me too.

 

[FurCoat]

Me too.

As do I.

 

[BrightDarkEyes]

As do I.

I add my concurrency to the above posters. Nice meerschaums.

 

[FurCoat]

I add my concurrency to the above posters. Nice meerschaums.

You said it, very nice meerschaums. I would display them.

 

[RPK]

If you have no real interest in keeping or smoking them and no one to pass them down to that would appreciate them then I would try to determine which are maybe rare or collectible and try to find getting them either by selling or gifting to someone who would care for and appreciate them. I have done that with some items I have rather then have them dumped in a yard sale or trashed when I'm gone.

 

[brian64]

Very nice collection of meers...thanks for posting.

Sounds like you're not a smoker, so it's good to see you intend to preserve and display these...would be a shame for such pieces to be discarded.

 

[kcghost]

You have a very nice collection of meerschaums that you can be proud of. If you don't wish to smoke them you can put them up for sale and make tidy, if modest profit. Cleaning them will enhance the sale value,

 

[mikethompson]

Very nice little collection there!

 

[newbroom]

One man's junk. I see one or two smokable pipes there. The rest are interesting objects d'art.

 

[anotherbob]

If you have no real interest in keeping or smoking them and no one to pass them down to that would appreciate them then I would try to determine which are maybe rare or collectible and try to find getting them either by selling or gifting to someone who would care for and appreciate them. I have done that with some items I have rather then have them dumped in a yard sale or trashed when I'm gone.

if you sell them go to a pro because well some of those meers are worth something. What I don't know. But at least if you use pipestud or someone like that, you know they have a reputation for both knowledge (including research when they don't know) and honesty.
Somehow I read If as I.....

 

[AroEnglish]

What a beautiful inheritance. Like others, I wouldn't clean them if they're only for display.

 

[Kringle]

Really interesting collection of meerschaums you have there.
If it were me, I'd certainly keep the JFK and Lincoln pipes to smoke, purely for irony's sake. I'm like that.