Should I be Skeptical of Inexpensive Meerschaum Pipes?

[Aylesbury Pike]

I found today in a tobacconist meerschaum pipes for 50 euro each. They seemed to be real meerschaum (though I own no Meerschaum and have only held one once before). These were relatively simple pipes and said "Made in Turkey". The shop is a proper pipe shop that sells reputable pipes (Chacom, Peterson, etc).

I ask because usually the cheapest Meerschaum I see are at least 150 euro. Should I be wary of these pipes or can decent, real meerschaum pipes be had for such a low price?

 

[anotherbob]

I found today in a tobacconist meerschaum pipes for 50 euro each. They seemed to be real meerschaum (though I own no Meerschaum and have only held one once before). These were relatively simple pipes and said "Made in Turkey". The shop is a proper pipe shop that sells reputable pipes (Chacom, Peterson, etc).

I ask because usually the cheapest Meerschaum I see are at least 150 euro. Should I be wary of these pipes or can decent, real meerschaum pipes be had for such a low price?

sounds legit and expected.

 

[Infantry23]

My favorite meers were all under $65. All block and coloring well.

 

[Aylesbury Pike]

sounds legit and expected.

My favorite meers were all under $65. All block and coloring well.

Good to hear, thank you! I was under the impression that Meerschaum was always costlier. I think I'll pick one up as I've been curious about how they smoke. Cheers

 

[Waning Embers]

I've paid minimum $60 to maximum $285. Meerschaum needn't be expensive and is much less so when buying directly from the carver. Here's a couple of what I mean.

 

[dottlejockey]

I'm assuming these are smaller pipes? Either way, if they are local you have the benefit of checking them out up close, which is a huge plus. I'd say if you see one you like and the quality meets your requirements, pull the trigger. Maybe the shop owner will disclose the brand or carver upon request as well. Most of the lower priced ones i see here in shops are Paykoc pipes. Good luck with your first meer.

 

[Aylesbury Pike]

I'm assuming these are smaller pipes? Either way, if they are local you have the benefit of checking them out up close, which is a huge plus. I'd say if you see one you like and the quality meets your requirements, pull the trigger. Maybe the shop owner will disclose the brand or carver upon request as well. Most of the lower priced ones i see here in shops are Paykoc pipes. Good luck with your first meer.

I suppose they are smaller, yes. My assumption is that meets of this price will be "pressed" rather than block. Is there any real downside to pressed? I read that they don't colour with use but I wonder of that is also other people's experience.

 

[dottlejockey]

I suppose they are smaller, yes. My assumption is that meers of this price will be "pressed" rather than block. Is there any real downside to pressed? I read that they don't colour with use but I wonder of that is also other people's experience.

Not sure how prevalent pressed meer actually is in the market. But just because it's $50 doesn't necessarily make that the case. You can always inquire about this with the retailer. I do, however, have one meer in the collection that i have long suspected to be pressed due to it's added weight and lack of color. It was inexpensive when i bought it many years ago but smokes great. No regrets...

 

[Waning Embers]

I suppose they are smaller, yes. My assumption is that meets of this price will be "pressed" rather than block. Is there any real downside to pressed? I read that they don't colour with use but I wonder of that is also other people's experience.

I haven't heard of any modern pressed pipes. Wet your finger and see if it sticks to the chamber. If so. It's block.

 

[sardonicus87]

I have a pressed meer pipe, Royal Meerschaum has a line called Exclusive that's "composite meer" (which I am assuming is the same thing as pressed by the description of them). They're smaller and inexpensive.

Not sure how it will color though, they claim it will color similar to real block meer, but I haven't smoked it enough to find out.

Standard-Regular Meerschaum Pipes | Royal Meerschaum Pipes

Buy our Standard-Regular Exclusive Meerschaum Pipes on Sale! Many Different Styles to Chose From.

www.royalmeerschaumpipes.com

Fair warning, the one I got (it was a gift) had about a 500" layer of wax on it. After two smokes, I sanded and melted enough out of the chamber to start a candle factory. It smokes just fine though now.

 

[craig61a]

It’s been my experience that the smaller, inexpensive meers are usually carved by students or beginners, and the carvings look a little rudimentary.

Prices of meers usually reflect the quality of the carving, to a lesser degree the fact that the piece is larger or smaller, and whether or not its block or pressed.

 

[Sigmund]

Also like cheaper briars you will find prefab stems. That cuts down on a lot of handwork and time. That translates into a lower price. It doesn’t make them bad.

 

[Kingsley]

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it twice, overpriced meerschaum pipes make me want to blow up.

 

[Waning Embers]

Prices of meers usually reflect the quality of the carving

Whether or not it is signed is the biggest factor. This beast has no signature and was $265.


Buying directly from independent artisans is about half the price of what you'll find at retailers as well for the same pipe.

 

[Ulfson]

Whether or not it is signed is the biggest factor. This beast has no signature and was $265.
View attachment 378695View attachment 378698

Buying directly from independent artisans is about half the price of what you'll find at retailers as well for the same pipe.

Top pipe

Whether or not it is signed is the biggest factor. This beast has no signature and was $265.
View attachment 378695View attachment 378698

Buying directly from independent artisans is about half the price of what you'll find at retailers as well for the same pipe.

Holy smokes! Top pipe with panther (?) is to die for, exquisite carving, color & conception!

 

[buroak]

Buying direct is about to get prohibitively expensive for US consumers. You should have an easier time in the Eurozone - at least a smaller duty more closely aligned to the value of the pipe.

 

[Pypkė]

My favorite meers were all under $65. All block and coloring well.

Same here. I have a pricey meer with a real amber stem, but the other two were clean, used pipes for $20-25. All good smokers.

 

[Waning Embers]

Top pipe

Holy smokes! Top pipe with panther (?) is to die for, exquisite carving, color & conception!

Two views of the same pipe

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

For 50 euros, you don't have much to lose. If there's one that appeals to you, buy it. I suspect it will be a cheap stem, may or may not be block. But at least you'll get to try a Meer. I have 3 I paid over $300 each for, I smoke them every day. Meers smoke nice and I enjoy watching the coloring process.

 

[Ulfson]

Two views of the same pipe

I see now, the color variance made me jump to that conclusion, same pipe, just separated in time