offset draught hole from stummel to stem

[phornbein]

I just got an elaborately carved, larger than I expected, meerschaum. I was severely challenged to get a pipe cleaner through into the bowl to get carving dust and debris out. I removed the mortice and was able to determine that the draught hole from the bowl entered the stem from above (rather than the end, forming a straight line), and it was blocked from view with the mortice in, although the pipe appeared to draw as well as any other.

Is this flaw in manufacture, or is this common with larger, more ornate meerschaums? The company (Paykoc) has offered a refund or exchange if I'd like to do that. If this is a function of the size and ornate carving, then that suggests I'm good to go and should just keep the one I've got.

 

[verporchting]

Could be by design or by defect but as mentioned in the other thread if the pipe draws fine and you’re okay with it not passing a pipe cleaner with the stem on then you should be fine. For some people not passing a cleaner is a deal breaker and others don’t care so long as it smokes okay. Up to you.

 

[phornbein]

Makes sense. I'll check the draw to be sure.