I have a 1979s Usmet Bekler abstract meerschaum, which came to me without a stem. The shank is threaded to accept a push-pull tenon on the stem, but lacks that part.
I was recommended to Norwood already, and they get great reviews. However, Norwood has no photos of their stem colors, and says they don't do photos since colors vary-- which I understand, but nonetheless, I want photos! I really need some idea of what I might get. I sent them a photo of one of Bekler's 90s CAOs (which used a transparent golden yellow lucite with big amber-like 'spangles' in it) and asked if they might have anything similar, but also asked about the opaque bright yellow common on 70s meers; they told me they "usually use an amber color," and when I asked for photos or details, was just told that that's what they use. Sorry, but that's a bit vague for me.
At the same time, I see most stems being made now coming in those various colors that have a marble-like effect with a metallic sheen at the right angle (like a cat's-eye agate) and, though CAO used those in the 80s, they're not right - to my eye - for a Bekler circa 1973.
I also want to be certain that the stem will be the same diameter as the shank where they meet, and not only am I not sure if any are made at that exact diameter, I'm also not sure, if they're not, who can make them to that diameter. Also needs to bent to the right angle for the slope of the shank.
What I need most is DETAILS. A detailed discussion, with photos, of my options-- not just-- "We use an amber color. Send it in." Even though they have a great reputation at Norwood, I really need more than that.
Advice? Suggestions?
Edit: Here is the color of lucite used on some very late CAO Bekler meers. I really, really love it, and though it isn't 'right' for a Bekler circa '73, I'd love to have a stem in this style. It looks to me like someone was kinda-sorta trying to imitate amber's spangles or inflections and, though I think it looks nothing like real amber, I think it's extremely pretty in its own right. I've never seen it anywhere else. The common 'tortoiseshell' amber-gold lucite with smooth dark-brown swirls isn't the same at all.
I was recommended to Norwood already, and they get great reviews. However, Norwood has no photos of their stem colors, and says they don't do photos since colors vary-- which I understand, but nonetheless, I want photos! I really need some idea of what I might get. I sent them a photo of one of Bekler's 90s CAOs (which used a transparent golden yellow lucite with big amber-like 'spangles' in it) and asked if they might have anything similar, but also asked about the opaque bright yellow common on 70s meers; they told me they "usually use an amber color," and when I asked for photos or details, was just told that that's what they use. Sorry, but that's a bit vague for me.
At the same time, I see most stems being made now coming in those various colors that have a marble-like effect with a metallic sheen at the right angle (like a cat's-eye agate) and, though CAO used those in the 80s, they're not right - to my eye - for a Bekler circa 1973.
I also want to be certain that the stem will be the same diameter as the shank where they meet, and not only am I not sure if any are made at that exact diameter, I'm also not sure, if they're not, who can make them to that diameter. Also needs to bent to the right angle for the slope of the shank.
What I need most is DETAILS. A detailed discussion, with photos, of my options-- not just-- "We use an amber color. Send it in." Even though they have a great reputation at Norwood, I really need more than that.
Advice? Suggestions?
Edit: Here is the color of lucite used on some very late CAO Bekler meers. I really, really love it, and though it isn't 'right' for a Bekler circa '73, I'd love to have a stem in this style. It looks to me like someone was kinda-sorta trying to imitate amber's spangles or inflections and, though I think it looks nothing like real amber, I think it's extremely pretty in its own right. I've never seen it anywhere else. The common 'tortoiseshell' amber-gold lucite with smooth dark-brown swirls isn't the same at all.
