Meerschaum Pipe - Damaged or Just Coloring?

[Spavilla]

To start, I have zero experience with Meerschaums pipes though I recently came across an interesting one I found for sale on a different (and less knowledgeable) website that I had questions about. After perusing a recent FS post here including a meerschaum, I asked the OP about the "coloring" he mentioned. He was kind enough to send me this picture: .
Still, I have serious reservations about this particular pipe and questions about meerschaums in general. I was hoping any of you with meerschaum experience could pipe in (sorry)...so, how long does it take to get a pipe so nicely brown like that? On the pictures I've attached, If I understand correctly the coloring on the bottom of the pipe is part of the process, but I just can't help but feel that the bowl rim on this is a little beyond just coloring, although I could be wrong. Seller says its Pre-WWII, but I am not sure of the significance of that either. Also, anyone care to venture what the value range of a pipe of this sort and condition is? FYI, I am attracted to this due to the likeness to the type of dogs I raise, Cane Corsos. Any input is appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[pappymac]

In my opinion, the coloring at the top is char from a lighter. If it was normal coloring, it would be more even around the rim and not black like that on one side.

The spot on the bottom looks to be the start of the pipe coloring.

Overall, it looks like the pipe was just tossed into a workbench drawer or toolbox and rattled around with the loose nuts and bolts or hand tools.

 

[BROBS]

In my opinion, the coloring at the top is char from a lighter. If it was normal coloring, it would be more even around the rim and not black like that on one side.

The spot on the bottom looks to be the start of the pipe coloring.

Overall, it looks like the pipe was just tossed into a workbench drawer or toolbox and rattled around with the loose nuts and bolts or hand tools.

Agree. rim is burned which will affect the coloration. The bottom is the actual coloring

 

[cshubhra]

I don’t know how long will it take to color a Meerschaum in a beautiful brown patina as shown in the first picture. However I do observe the progress closely in my own pipes, as well as photos posted by other members which show progressive coloration. As of now my best guess is that it will take at least 250-400 smokes. For most people who own many pipes, it’s a lifetime of smoking.
I would mostly agree with others that the rim is colored by improper lighting. However, that black while it’s not beautiful may still be a part of the color. Meerschaum absorbs a lot of color in the top, if you leave a little gap when you fill up the pipe. African Meerschaums often color this way.
The second pipe in your post (as others mentioned) has been handled very badly. You cannot do anything with the dings, but the surface can be cleaned up (somewhat) and possibly need to be rewaxed.
While most of my briars are estates, I prefer buying my Meerschaum pipes new. In any case, I would pass on the second pipe in your post

 

[cshubhra]

I have been wanting to do this for quite some time. Today is Sunday, so probably I would shake down my laziness and do it. I would post a Meerschaum coloring status report, with estimated no of bowls smoked in each pipe, and calibrated agains a virgin Meerschaum pipe tamper

 

[Tommy Boy]

If your going to spend all the time necessary to color a meerchaum pipe why not start out with a good pipe? That pipe is in bad shape. Don't cheat yourself by buying a "cheap" meerschaum pipe that will never look good. Lifes short smoke good tobaccos in the best pipes you can afford.

 

[BROBS]

Yup I’d say you’re better off even commissioning a pipe made exactly like you want.

 

[Spavilla]

If your going to spend all the time necessary to color a meerchaum pipe why not start out with a good pipe? That pipe is in bad shape. Don't cheat yourself by buying a "cheap" meerschaum pipe that will never look good. Lifes short smoke good tobaccos in the best pipes you can afford.

I am not really sure what the cost or value of any meerschaum pipe, new or otherwise. I was not looking for cheap. I was intrigued by the figure. I was however suspect of the condition, especially for the asking price.

 

[Spavilla]

Yup I’d say you’re better off even commissioning a pipe made exactly like you want.

How would one go about such a thing (selecting a craftsman, etc.) and what would one expect to pay for such a service?

 

[Country Bladesmith]

If you could negotiate a much lower price (like $40 would probably be my limit), the charring and nicks could be carefully sanded out. There’s not much real coloring yet on it, so I don’t believe it would really mess anything up as far as coloring goes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I was however suspect of the condition, especially for the asking price.

Price is subjective. This Emin Brothers piece was $95.





While this Kenan was four times that. Both are fine pipes.

 

[weezell]

$120.00...HELL NO! Not at gun point...

 

[Spavilla]

$120.00...HELL NO! Not at gun point...

People are allowed to ask whatever they want for something. I generally never pay asking unless the price is very fair. I would never pay $120 for something in that condition. However there is a price point where the rejuvenation may be worth it. What that is I don't know at this point. Knowing what a commissioned piece would cost might help me determine that number (for me). Maybe someone can point me in the direction of someone that might be able to provide such a service and capture the essence of this fine animal.

 

[cshubhra]

Look at Smokingpipes. AKB Meerschaum starts around 90$ and goes up. AKB imports a fine Meerschaum.

I think the other Meerschaum import @ SmokingPipes is IMP. It is around 200$

Some of the reknowned carvers sell direct in eBay. You can check them out as well

I am not really sure what the cost or value of any meerschaum pipe, new or otherwise. I was not looking for cheap. I was intrigued by the figure. I was however suspect of the condition, especially for the asking price. View attachment 37591

 

[brandaves]

H. Cor on FB marketplace does beautiful commission meers. I have no idea what he charges but the detail is incredible. Check him out.

 

[Chasing Embers]

on FB

It's a pity so many pipe makers are relying on that.

 

[mikethompson]

The top is definitely charring, and is not worth $120 USD to me. What its worth is to you is something only you can say.

 

[pappymac]

I am not really sure what the cost or value of any meerschaum pipe, new or otherwise. I was not looking for cheap. I was intrigued by the figure. I was however suspect of the condition, especially for the asking price. View attachment 37591

In my opinion, that is way too much for a meerschaum in that condition - unless it's signed by one of the master meerschaum carvers. For about $70 more, you can find a brand new one or even get one carved.

I take it back, I just looked at one of the on-line meerschaum retailers and saw a retriever with a duck in its mouth for $95. They had a couple of bulldog meerschaum starting at $135. Didn't have the open mouth, but still nice looking pipes.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If you're primarily interested in coloring, figurals aren't the way to go. The thicker parts of the carving won't color well, if at all.

And agree, I'd not buy the illustrated pipe for over $30.

 

[Spavilla]

If you're primarily interested in coloring, figurals aren't the way to go. The thicker parts of the carving won't color well, if at all.

And agree, I'd not buy the illustrated pipe for over $30.

Actually, my primary interest was initially in the figure itself. Prior to my post, I didn’t know anything about meerschaum pipes or about coloring. Of course, I realized that it was way overpriced, but I was able to gain some good information thanks to all of you fine members, i.e. "as is" this pipe is worth about $30-40 and H. Cor is available on Facebook. Although I hate even going to Facebook, this is probably the route I would take if I decide to move forward with this project. I will reach out to this artisan to see what this might entail and I will report back to all, in case someone else is interested in a custom meerschaum pipe. Thanks again!