Heard from Marilyn at Missouri Meerschaum that the Charles Towne is back in stock as of Tue (07/17/18). I missed the last production round in May; just placed my order for one right before posting this as I’ve been wanting one
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Congrats! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine! It's one of my favorite smokers and I haven't had anything yet that doesn't smoke well in it. Been thinking about buying myself another one just because I love it that much.
been meaning to buy one just just from the looks alone, but hearing it's a high quality cob makes it that much more urgent that I buy one before someone else snags 'em all.
Thanks for the heads-up. I ordered one right away and it arrived today. The tenon looks good, so they've apparently solved their early problems with that. It seems quite well made and should be durable. The stem is definitely better than the ones they put on the most recent reverse Calabash pipes. I'm pleased with my first smoke, which was Orlik Porter House Double Mixture.
Yes, the acrylic stem makes it a keeper, and the good big bowl on mine, the light weight and bent stem, so it feels pretty weightless. It's just a nice package. Looks great too. For those who feel MM cobs can look too down-home (and that isn't me!) this one has the air of a briar with its darker finish. I'd smoke any of my cobs in a suit and tie or tux; it's a good counterpoint, gives a guy dimension.