mini meerschaum pipes

[uberam3rica]

anyone know anything about these? i see them all over ebay, they say block meerschaum. theyre pretty cheap the most expensive one i saw was less then $30. im thinking about maybe getting one eventually. just wondering if anyone knows if theyre any good
Edit: Moved to "Pipe Talk" L

 

[papipeguy]

Just my opinion but I don't go for mini anything. If you want a meer, save up your money and buy a good one from a reputible outfit. i just finished a bowl in my old Pioneer black meer. Nice pipe but not the best smoker. In other words, buy quality and you'll be happy with your decision.

 

[pstlpkr]

Morning Uber,
It would be a great help if you had a link to what you are referring.
However; I have a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson set of meerschaum mini pipes.

I have seen them go for well over a hundred, "estate", and only moderate condition with a case that was in very poor condition. I have the exact same set and mine are immaculate. They are great little smokers. I only smoke English blends in them. The bowls however; are so small there is rarely more than a 10 minute smoke in them.

The picture is probably 1/3 larger than actual size.

Edit: Adding this photo for scale:

 

[uberam3rica]

i found this store on ebay that seems pretty legit, theyre from turkey and have pictures of the person who carved each pipe, they got some real nice looking ones too.the only reason im thinking about getting a mini is because i know meers are fragile, and im not sure i trust myself not to break it

 

[uberam3rica]

those are some nice pipe lawrence heres two links to people who are selling a few

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KSI-Mini-Meerschaum-Tobacco-Pipe-Lion-Black-Stem-Turkey-/250852074732?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a67f2e4ec#ht_500wt_1202
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Meerschaum-Sabertooth-Tobacco-Pipe-Hand-Finished-/170652077785?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bba80ed9#ht_1212wt_952

 

[uberam3rica]

this is the store i found on ebay.

http://stores.ebay.com/meerschaummarket

 

[pstlpkr]

Those are some interesting shapes.

But, the quality of the first photograph throws up a LARGE RED FLAG.

And, the second while in focus, the quality of the meer looks questionable.

Seems to have a lot of imperfections.
Speaking to your "fragile" comment above, don't sweat it. Meers are tougher than you might think, but the stems can be problematic if you are muncher... (I'm guilty of biting through the stem on the egg and claw shown above.)
Edit: You might bear in mind the old adage: 'You get what you pay for.' When it comes to meerschaum; I think that is very true.

 

[uberam3rica]

ya i didnt think they looked to be the best of quality that why i asked on here. the the link i gave of the store on ebay seem legit though.they have mini meers, but also have normal meers

 

[spyder71]

Flea-Bay is your friend if you are very careful. I never buy a pipe if the pics are out of focus or they don't show every angle of the pipe. Keep a sharp eye out for folks that dont know what they have! Both my Meers were listed as "white pipe" or unknown and bought as a lot of pipes of 4 or 5 for under 20.00. People IMO are generally lazy in regards to shopping online and wont look past the title leaving the hidden treasures for those who take the time and know what they want. I am on a fixed income so I have to get creative to own a rotation of pipes and just hoped this may help :D

The two white pipes in the pic are my Meers. The straight one with the fancy lattice was unsmoked and the bent/smooth was only smoked a few times as far as I could tell :puffpipe:

 

[lonestar]

I'd have to say stay away from mini meerschaums. Generally, they are made from scraps left over from bigger pieces and in my experience are very poor quality. The exception being something like Lawrences matched set, but you're looking for a bargain and thats not it.

For $30-$40 you can find a full size, well made meer that has been lightly smoked a couple times.

You dont want to make the mistake of buying an old worn out smoked to death meer either.

If you watch lots of meer pipes on ebay for a month or so, I promise you will find a full sized meer that you like that has been smoked 2-3 times for under $45.

Its much better to save the money and buy 1 really good pipe you like, than to buy 3 or 4 cheap ones.

 

[lonestar]

Come to think of it, I have a Peterson Block Meerschaum pipe in my box of pipes I'm restoring. It would be within your price range and is a solid high quality pipe. PM me if you are interested in some pics.

 

[marmal4de]

I have a Peterson Block Meerschaum pipe in my box of pipes I'm restoring.

I've been looking for one for ages, I sent you a PM.

 

[bootlegbonvivant]

I'd have to agree that those look questionable in quality. I also agree with Lonestar that if you just watch for a little bit, you'll find that perfect pipe within the right price range.
Gotta remember that people sell off their ebay stores to others as well. Therefore, someone who has a monster amount of feedback and good ratings may not be the same person who built up the reputation.
With meers, I'm pretty selective with who I purchase them from. Altinok is one of my favorites and ALWAYS carries quality meers. SMS meerschaum is another that's not bad, neither is IMP.

 

[unclearthur]

I have yet to see a mini that's worth the price and shipping.

 

[spartan]

I have yet to see a mini that's worth the price and shipping.

Then I guess you will just have to make a mini worth a damn Uncle A! 8)