Hey, you know those metal bands they often put on meerschaums? They really strengthen the shanks, it would appear. I don't want to go into detail, but let's just say that this pipe was severely stressed at the stem/shank junction, and I was incredulous that there was no damage or loosening whatsoever to the pipe. I've dropped it on carpet a few times to no effect, but this episode was heavy-duty stress at the pipe's weakest point. I swear that there's no damage of any kind. And I wasn't drunk or anything like that. I post this merely for the edification of mankind, have no further point to add, and now plan to retire for the evening. Good night.
