Bent Dublin pipe in sea foam, glossy white Meerschaum

A beautiful tobacco pipe made of smooth, glossy white Meerschaum, perfect.

Meerschaum is a material generally known as the "white goddess," and its admirers particularly emphasize its performance 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 a depth 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 hydrated magnesium silicate pipes, and the term "Vienna Meerschaum" was introduced into pipe literature.

The finest meerschaum used in pipe making is the block-formed meerschaum from Turkey.

The material originally 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.

Meerschaum pipes in blocks 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, which produces a captivating, glossy white.

Meerschaum pipes have won over many smokers because they require no breaking-in, are not subject to burning, and allow tobacco to retain its aroma.

Here we have a Meerschaum pipe with a classic curved Dublin shape, medium in size, very light and balanced.

The bowl rim is intentionally left rough, opaque, contrasting with the body of the Meerschaum tobacco pipe.

The bowl of the pipe is smooth and polished, revealing the composition of the meerschaum, which becomes even more beautiful with use.

Note the long, thin saddle-shaped mouthpiece in black methacrylate; the solid shank is reinforced with Teflon for a better hold on the stem.

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 transportation.

1) Width 143 mm

2) Height 51 mm

3) Depth 51 mm

4) Bowl diameter 21 mm

5) Bowl depth 42 mm

Features:

Black methacrylate saddle mouthpiece.

6 mm diameter, Teflon reinforcement, no filter.

Weight: 47 grams.

Shape: Classic curved Dublin.

Finish: Uniform white meerschaum.

Markings: Altinai, Nui, 24