Altinay Meerschaum Pipe in a Golf Ball Shape

One of the most iconic Meerschaum pipes, its golf ball shape is a symbol of Altinay production.

Tobacco pipe in polished white Meerschaum with flock and a stamped 925 silver ring.

Meerschaum is a material generally known as the "white goddess," and its admirers particularly emphasize its use in classic tobacco pipes.

Meerschaum is composed of hydrated magnesium silicate (scientifically known as sepiolite) found in Turkey and Tanzania.

Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed that calcareous river water eroded the magnesium rocks and deposited the resulting mud. Possible geological changes would have caused the river's course to change, leaving behind alluvial deposits at depths of between forty and eighty meters, which would then have been pressed into blocks by the pressure exerted by the overlying tectonic masses.

While there are countless legends regarding the birth date of the first pipe made from this particularly light material, it is certain that the first European meerschaum pipes were made in Hungary and imported by aristocrats to Vienna, where a meerschaum processing center developed.

Around 1870, over two hundred companies in the Austrian capital were producing tobacco pipes made of hydrated magnesium silicate, and the term "Vienna Meerschaum" was introduced into pipe literature.

The best Meerschaum used in pipe making is the block meerschaum from Turkey.

The material from Tanzania is geologically much younger than the Turkish one and does not yield the same yield, nor does it have the same pure white color as the Turkish one, which is mainly mined in the region surrounding Eskisehir.

For lower-priced pipes, pressed meerschaum is also used, consisting of meerschaum waste held together by pressure and a binder.

The lower quality is bulk meerschaum, which also consists of waste, but contrary to what was previously explained, it is ground into a pulp that, once water, potassium silicate, and potassium salts have been added, is boiled for processing.

Block meerschaum pipes are usually made on a lathe.

First, the blocks are cut to the right size, softened in water, and finally, while still wet, turned and drilled, often with carvings or ornaments.

While in the past, turned or sculpted bowls were dipped in whalebone white, today they are dipped in bleached white wax.

Meerschaum pipes have won over many smokers because they require no breaking-in, do not burn, and allow the tobacco to retain its flavor.

Here we have a Meerschaum pipe in the classic "bent apple" shape, very light and balanced.

The bowl of the pipe is smooth and polished, featuring the classic golf ball dimples—the opaque golf ball dimples contrasting with the polished finish, which becomes even more beautiful with use.

Note the long, thin methacrylate mouthpiece with a wide 925 silver ring and the flock on the shank, also in silver.

This golf ball is a beautifully curved Apple pipe that will give its owner intense, neutral smokes that will never tire.

Each Meerschaum pipe is unique and one-of-a-kind, and the photos you see depict this exclusive pipe. Once purchased, it will be removed from the catalog.

If you require more detailed photos, we will be happy to send them to you.

The Meerschaum pipe comes with a personalized case for protection and transport.

1) Width 156 mm

2) Height 47 mm

3) Depth 49 mm

4) Bowl diameter 22 mm

5) Bowl depth 34 mm

Features:

Black methacrylate mouthpiece with 20 mm silver ferrule.

12 mm diameter, 14 mm silver flock reinforcement, no filter.

Weight: 58 grams.

Shape: Bent Apple.

Finish: White meerschaum with dimples.

Markings: Altinay Nui 25