As some of you know, I've been researching meers, and I've been eyeing this one on ebay for the past week. The seller knew very little about it. Considering my current financial situation, I wasn't even going to bid, but I decided to go for it at the very last minute (picked up for just over $50)
From what I can tell, it's a Sommer from France. About 5.75" in length. The dates on the "ostrich leather" case say 1878, 1889 & 1900. So I am thinking it's pre-1910. My guess is that it's an African meer due to the very slight discoloration. The bowl looks pristine:
The other cool thing is the stem, which I am guessing is genuine amber (bakelite wasn't invented until 1907)
There's two issues. One is a minor chip on the bulldog rings of the bowl which I am not worried about and the other issue is the stem is a loose fit.
The original owner wrapped it in a bit of paper to keep it in. Very curious what the fix on that might be (if you have suggestions, I am all ears).
Very excited about this purchase. The owner(s) must have cherished this pipe for it to be in such good condition. I just hope it's all that I expect it to be. Will let you know how it smokes once it is received!
From what I can tell, it's a Sommer from France. About 5.75" in length. The dates on the "ostrich leather" case say 1878, 1889 & 1900. So I am thinking it's pre-1910. My guess is that it's an African meer due to the very slight discoloration. The bowl looks pristine:
The other cool thing is the stem, which I am guessing is genuine amber (bakelite wasn't invented until 1907)
There's two issues. One is a minor chip on the bulldog rings of the bowl which I am not worried about and the other issue is the stem is a loose fit.
The original owner wrapped it in a bit of paper to keep it in. Very curious what the fix on that might be (if you have suggestions, I am all ears).
Very excited about this purchase. The owner(s) must have cherished this pipe for it to be in such good condition. I just hope it's all that I expect it to be. Will let you know how it smokes once it is received!
