Most expensive meerschaum pipe. Takeaways Old handmade tobacco pipes with unique engravings or painted decorations are highly valuable. The brand’s focus on quality materials and skilled carving ensures that each pipe is a unique and cherished possession. Learn more about this, and how all of this led to the beautiful pipes that you need nowadays. Now if you were to take a wander through the pages and pages of Meerschaum pipes on eBay you might wonder why the new pipe is so expensive and the collectibles seem so cheap. . What is my meerschaum pipe worth? Museum-grade antique meerschaum pipes go for $2,000 to $10,000. The intricate carving in the claw I'm not sure if it was ever "sold" per se but the most expensive pipe I know of is Dunhill's Eiffel Tower pipe valued at $3. ” Meerschaum is actually sepiolite, a hydrous A collection of meerschaum and other pipes and cheroot holders, the bowls in the form of animals, figures etc. Just like in diamonds. Shop for-and learn about-Antique Meerschaum Pipes. Allegedly, the Count served as an envoy to Turkey and brought two blocks of Shop our wide selection of handmade meerschaum pipes, made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. When doing some shopping for meerschaums a few weeks ago, I ordered a few pipes from a well known and popular meerschaum pipe purveyor, with the intention of keeping the one I liked most. Overall, high quality tobacco tins have appreciated more than 15 percent within the last 18 months, some selling for more than $1,000. Greatest Selection and Lowest Prices of all Meerschaum Pipes. The most expensive, according to Burla, are pipes of carved meerschaum, a rare substance derived from the fossilized remains of sea urchins, the best of which comes from Turkey. Shop Meerschaum, Pipes under $100 today! In Article Audio Player From Simple to Extravagant Your first mental image of a meerschaum pipe is probably that of a white pipe carved to resemble a pirate head, or possibly a Viking. Get your ideal pipe without breaking the bank. What is the most expensive meerschaum pipe? Prices for antique pipes can range from $50 to $100,000. Antique meerschaum pipes are highly collectible with most specimens dated after the mid-1800s when meerschaum replaced porcelain in German pipe making. The high value that many place on advanced coloration in a meerschaum gives incentive to shortcuts employed by some sellers. Many smokers appreciate the lightweight feel and comfortable handling of meerschaum, making them ideal for extended smoking sessions. The ALTAY brand represents the finest tradition of mid-century Turkish meerschaum export pipes: well-crafted from genuine block meerschaum, featuring the iconic figural and ornamental carvings that made Turkish meerschaum internationally sought-after, and fitted with the amber lucite stems that became standard in post-war production. We have a pipe for every smoker. What are most tobacco pipes made of? Learn more about some of the most common pipe materials throughout the ages. a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of this substance. ; sepiolite. Meerschaum is lightweight, porous, and heat-resistant, making it ideal for tobacco pipes. Such designs are relatively common, and certainly the most memorable, but there exists a myriad of styles and designs ranging from the simple to the simply ostentatious. Look for specific features and logos to spot the branded antique tobacco pipes. Meerschaum raw material is found in small sizes and when it gets larger, it's price get more and more expensive because of the rareness. I will definitely place another order with you! Learn what meerschaum is, its unique properties, rich history, and why it's considered the finest material for handcrafted smoking pipes. Pressed Meerschaum, also called Composite Meerschaum is a lower quality product that is made from the leftover materials from block pipes. Most cheaper meerschaum pipes are not drilled well and use a screw type tenon which restricts airflow. At one point, the stone become so expensive that pipe makers salvaged pieces of meerschaum and glued them together to create pressed meerschaum, although these antique pipes are not nearly as Block Meerschaum is the highest quality, and provides the best smoking characteristics, but it's also more expensive. Many meerschaum purists prefer simple Artisans have crafted meerschaum pipes for centuries, with some of the most intricate and detailed carvings seen in these pieces. Another Turkish meerschaum pipe is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records. " On size alone, I believe that this pipe might qualify as The Most Famous Meerschaum of All. Purple with White Fimo Meerschaum Pipes - Each pipe is hand carved and one of a kind. How can you tell genuine meerschaum? Real meerschaum pipes absorb tobacco tar and oil, which is wicked to the surface by a beeswax coating. Tibbe likened his light, porous pipes and their cool smoke to that of the more expensive meerschaum pipes and coined the name "Missouri Meerschaum" for his pipes. , other pipes including Turkish clay figured pipes, Oriental pipes, a meerschaum type pipe, the bowl carved a stag and dated 1763 Be sure to check out our full line of Mini Meerschaum Pipes, Medium sized Meerschaum Pipes, Regular Meerschaum Pipes, Churchwarden Meerschaum Pipes, Pipe Tobacco Blends, and more. These meerschaum tobacco pipes in the images of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. The word Meerschaum is taken from a German word that means "sea foam". Pipes that were carved by well-known artists or those that feature rare designs or carvings are often the most valuable. ” The 1980 issue mentions a “Most Valuable Pipe,” … “flying horseman,” … “marketed in San Francisco for Feb 25, 2025 · Some pipes are handcrafted by the most renowned artisans in the world, using top-grade briar, meerschaum, exotic woods, gold, silver, and even gemstone inlays. Size 6. Research our price guide with auction results on 159 items from $30 to $4,026. Over time a meerschaum Meerschaum Pipe Pricing The main difference between a $100 meerschaum pipe and $200+ meerschaum pipe is their sizes. Meerschaum smoking pipes have been highly valued by collectors and smokers for centuries, but have you ever wondered why Turkish Meerschaum pipes are so expensive? These pipes are made of meerschaum, a mineral rock that is found in underground mines in Turkey and is locally referred to as "white gold" for its economic and cultural value. Find the worth of your vintage Meerschaum pipes. As far as what someone is willing to shell out, $10K-$20K for a pipe is probably on the low end or starting end for high value pipes. When smoked, meerschaum pipes gradually change color, and old meerschaum pipes will turn incremental shades of yellow, orange, red, and amber from the base on up. The sheer artistry and precision of these pipes make them both functional smoking instruments and museum-worthy pieces. Meerschaum has gotten more expensive but good deals are still out there if you look. It is a Turkish clay used in high grade pipes. These high-end pipes, priced at $300 and above, showcase exceptional craftsmanship, superior detail, and the cool, dry smoking experience only true block meerschaum can deliver. Thank you for the terrific products, fast delivery, and excellent attention to detail. Meerschaum pipes have gained a reputation for being highly sought after and, as a result, quite expensive. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Most notably by way of the unmistakable profile of Sherlock Holmes with his trademark calabash pipe and its meerschaum insert. Tobacco pipes made of meerschaum, porcelain, and briar are one of the most valuable collectibles. Buy Premium Meerschaum Pipes - 100% Solid Block Discover our collection of Premium 100% Solid Block Meerschaum Pipes, expertly hand-carved from the finest grade meerschaum sourced in central Turkey. When looking at meerschaum pipes, something that I've always found somewhat perplexing is that within a A meerschaum pipe's material and carving are the most important factors when determining what it's worth. In Stock Now. Do you have anything to convince me or dissuade me to buy it? Our Meerschaum pipes, block meerschaum, white pipe, cigar holders, 海泡石斗, MEERSCHAUM PFEIFE, and CAO MEERSCHAUM are shipped in one business day. I was surprised to find the wonderful leather boxes for each pipe as well as the roll-up tobacco mat, candies, and information about Eskisehir. Most expensive meerschaum pipe ownership offers unparalleled smoking pleasure and a timeless legacy of craftsmanship. The most special type of material for pipe production is meerschaum, a soft stone that is mined in Turkey. But have you ever wondered why these pipes command such high prices? Meerschaum smoking pipes have been highly valued by collectors and smokers for centuries, but have you ever wondered why Turkish Meerschaum pipes are so expensive? These pipes are made of meerschaum, a mineral rock that is found in underground mines in Turkey and is locally referred to as "white gold" for its economic and cultural value. But it has been mined for centuries, limiting the supply. The most popular account is more industry legend and folklore than historical fact, which attributes this medium to a Budapest, Hungarian, noble named Count Andrassy during the early 18th century, with 1723 being the most referenced date. Contributed Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Purchase Article Reprint Meerschaum tobacco pipes are prized by collectors and smokers for their unique In this Buying Guide, I offer my opinions on the Missouri Meerschaum brand of corncob pipes, which I and most other experienced cobbers feel are the only decent corncobs still being made. All of those carvers use a briar style push/pull tenon which makes the pipe a whole lot better to smoke. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Pipes colored in smoke jars will have a dull appearance without depth and exhibit a darker color in the places that usually show the least amount of color in pipes that have been smoked and waxed. Check it Now! MEERSCHAUM a mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, H 4 Mg 2 Si 3 O 1 0 , occurring in white, claylike masses, used for ornamental carvings, for pipe bowls, etc. Deluxe Skull in Claw Knurl Meerschaum Pipe - An uncommon discovery in the meerschaum pipe world is a carving of a backward eagle claw holding a skull's head. ” The 1980 issue mentions a “Most Valuable Pipe,” … “flying horseman,” … “marketed in San Francisco for These are common and slightly lower cost than most more traditional meerschaum pipes, but consider that the majority of the handling of moisture in a pipe takes place in the bottom of the bowl, shank and stem. Special Smooth Freehand Flared Shank Meerschaum Pipe - A bold fusion of modern design and traditional craftsmanship, this freehand meerschaum pipe stands out with its sleek sculpted bowl and exceptionally fine smooth polished finish. Moreover, MBSD meerschaum pipes represent an investment in a natural and artistic medium. You really get what you pay for with Meerschaum. Meerschaum is found in a handful of places around the world, but the most famous source for the stone is Meerschaum became a premium substitute for the clay pipes of the day and remains prized to this day, although since the mid-1800s briar pipes have become the most common pipes for smoking. Due to the mineral's porous nature, Turkish block meerschaum pipes also possess a Learn ways to differentiate authentic meerschaum pipes from knockoff versions, advantages of meerschaum pipes, and factors to consider before buying. I've been looking at a really nice bent billiard AKB with a orange stem, it is a bit more expensive than any other of my briar pipes that I have bought, but a meerschaum seems like a nice change. The predominate color of this fimo pipe is purple with soft white highlights in the design. They are also gotten directly from the manufacturer which helps ensure you get the highest quality product. Meerschaum is a relative rare substance in pristine useable form . The introduction of meerschaum in pipe making has been debated to this day. In the 1978 issue: “The most expensive smoker’s pipe is an intricately carved meerschaum pipe, marketed by CAO Meerschaums of Nashville, Tennessee, which sells in New York City for $8,000. Watson recently sold on eBay for $100. The deposits for this particular type are almost exclusively found around the the city of Eskisehir in central Turkey. Material Clay Pipes Meerschaum Pipes Briarwood Pipes 4. Hallmarks Final Thoughts FAQ What types of antique tobacco pipes are most commonly found? How can I identify the materials used in an antique tobacco pipe? How do I determine the value of an antique tobacco pipe? How do I care for and maintain IMP meerschaum pipes are the best pipes in the market, the best meerschaum pipe money can buy. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. These can hike the price of your old pipes. Nothing fancy, just a simple profile, probably just a billiard style and I've stumbled across a brand that I haven't heard of, but Meerschaum smoking pipes are something few people ever give even a passing thought to yet they’re something virtually everyone is familiar with. To get the full benefits of a meerschaum, the shank plays a significant role in absorbing moisture. 5M. Meerschaum - one of the most porous substances found in nature - acts as a filter, absorbs tobacco tars and nicotine, and yields a most satisfying smoke. You may also find meerschaum pipes made with reconstituted meerschaum: meerschaum residues and dust that are collected somewhere else than in Turkey (most of the time in Africa) are compressed with a binding agent to make a "rock" that is then carved. May 29, 2025 · Another Turkish meerschaum pipe is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records. This raw material is white in color and so extremely porous that it absorbs the tobacco juices completely during smoking. org This article is about what I consider the best of breed in tobacco pipes: the bygone, carved antique meerschaum! It’s not about how expensive they are, how rare they are to acquire today, who’s collecting them, or whether they smoke better than a briar. Cool, Clean Smoke - These light, porous pipes have similar moisture wicking properties to a more expensive meerschaum pipe, providing a dry, flavorful smoke, as well as giving them their name. The skill of the carver greatly influences the value and desirability of a meerschaum pipe, as collectors seek out pipes that showcase exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. Many of these pipes feature intricate designs, including detailed figures, animals, and landscapes. Meerschaum has several nicknames including White Goddess and Venus of the Sea. I've really been wanting one with a silver spigot and an amber stem. It’s solely about acknowledging them in all their elaborate majesty, artistry I'm on a search for a new meerschaum that I plan to put a lot of money into for what I want. By Ben Rapaport, January 2023 Exclusive to pipedia. It is a German word that means “sea foam. Brands 3. 2. -Why Meerschaum?- Types of Meerschaum Pipes Turkish block meerschaum is the most well-known variety used in meerschaum pipe making, prized for its porous, pure-smoking qualities and often extremely light weight. The use of briar wood, beginning in the early 1820s, greatly reduced demand for clay pipes and, to a lesser degree, meerschaum pipes. Block vs pressed meerschaum. Look at Altinok, SMS Meerschaum, Tekin, Baki. Although pipe smoking is not as popular as it once was, collecting pipes remains an active hobby, with meerschaum pipes among the most sought-after. From the standpoint of what may be best for the pipe itself you might want to consider avoiding oily tobacco blends that can undermine the porousness of the meerschaum bowl and cause the pipe to start smoking hotter over time. I would say Altinay in particular has gotten outrageous but if they’re selling pipes at those prices more power to them. The value of antique meerschaum pipes varies widely depending on several factors, including their age, condition, and rarity. Our Fimo pipes are hand carved from 100% Solid Block Meerschaum and are Made I received my order today of two beautifully made pipes. Origin:1775–85; < German Meerschaum, equivalent to Meer sea (see mere2 ) + Schaum foam. Shape 5. Carving 7. Shop our line of IMP Meerschaum Pipes today! What is meerschaum? Discover its history, how it became iconic pipes, how it differs from corncob pipes, and why collectors prize it. Most expensive pipe you actually smoke We all have different budgets for our hobby, but curious what is the most expensive pipe you bought and actually smoke? Secondly, is it one of your best smokers? Meerschaum pipes are among the most expensive tobacco pipes in the world. Aye carumba. Each pipe in this Meerschaum is the most flavourful and beautiful pipe you can own. Meerschaum pipes have a long and interesting history. The skull features a large, toothy smile and deep eye sockets. Block Meerschaum is carved by a skilled artisan from a single block of solid Meerschaum. The hand-carved pipe The Best Rated Meerschaum Pipes in 2022 - Tested by Expert - Interesting Video for Customers. There are only Conclusion From a personal standpoint the best tobacco for your meerschaum pipe will be the one you enjoy the most. Nov 3, 2025 · The caption reads, "This meerschaum is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most valuable pipe, and is valued at $15,000. Shop pipes under $100, meerschaum pipes and briar pipes for all. They're made of meerschaum, a mineral typically found in underground mines in Turke Download Most Expensive Hand stock photos. a1lw, z7xj, qoal, 6fji, ohe9xo, dxc6zd, c82t, zb6b6, fwmvpv, nnbko,