Medium Turkish Hand Carved Meerschaum Pipe

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Hand-carved Turkish Meerschaum Pipe measure 5 1/4 inches long 1 1/4 inch wide and the bowl is 1 1/4 inch deep. Includes hard black case with velvet lined interior for storage. Pipes are made by true craftsman in Eskisehir, Turkey. Due to the fact that these pieces are hand-carved, no two pieces are exactly alike. WHAT IS MEERSCHAUM ? Meerschaum’ a German word meaning ‘sea foam'’, descriptive of its white light-weight appearance is actually a mineral (magnesium silicate) . Sedimentary deposits that are compressed and shifted by waves and plate movements cause this mineral to be often washed up along the coast of the North Sea. However, The highest quality Meerschaum deposits come from the plains of Eskisehir , Turkey w Meerschaum exists in its purest and whitest form.. The deposits are confined to an area of only 4 square miles making it rare and valuable, which explains why many call it the ‘white gold’ . Mined with hand tools, meerschaum is excavated at depths ranging from 200 to 500 feet w it initially has the consistency of soft clay. The carvers examine each piece of meerschaum in order to find the line of cleavage w the block of the mineral should be split. Once split, the meerschaum is soaked in water for 15-30 minutes until it achieves a cheese-like consistency enabling the skilled carvers to show their trade by carving out various detailed designs. The carved meerschaum is exposed to high temperatures, which removes all moisture from the newly carved piece. Once the shank is threaded and fitted with a stem, perhaps the most important step of the pipe making process takes place…the sanding and polishing of the new masterpiece. Perhaps the most special aspect of all these pipes is the fact that they are made by men who have spent their life learning the trade which is passed on from generation to generation and since all pieces are handmade, no two pieces are alike. Turkish Street carries only the top of the line meerschaum pipes and provide a large variety of design in not only the carvings but unique designs of stems as well.Why are Meerschaum pipes considered to be the best in the world? Is it the cool and flavorful smoking experience it provides or the fact that it acts as a natural filter, absorbing tobacco tars as well as nicotine. Unlike Briar pipes, Meerschaum pipes do not need to be ‘broken in’. As your pipe ages, the meerschaum will change its color to a light brown tone. Watching your pipe transform as you enjoy it also makes Meerschaum pipes a unique item. You will be amazed with the smoking experience that a meerschaum pipe will bring due its unique qualities Perhaps the most important quality of these pipes is the fact that with proper care, they will last you a lifetime. are some tips on caring for your pipe so that it can accompany you throughout your life… Do not · Tap the pipe against a hard surface as you could damage the shank in the long run. This is not only true for Meerschaum pipes but for Briar pipes as well · Use pipe sweeteners as this will affect the porous mineral which will get soaked with the sweetener causing it to lose its special qualities of filtering as well as staying cool· Allow a cake to build in the wall of the pipe. The quality of the smoking experience comes from the specialty of the mineral and any caking will affect its performance thus affecting the quality of the smoking experience · Use alcohol to clean the pipe Do · Take care when you are removing the stem. It is very important that you always remove and replace the stem by twisting it clockwise. Screwing it counter-clockwise could in the long run strip out the shank· Use a sharp-edged but blunt-ended tool to clean the inside of the bowl. · Take your time and enjoy the experience of Meerschaum. Do not be afraid to touch and hold the pipe even if your hands might have grease etc. Dirt and grease will affect the coloration of the pipe but only in the sense of adding a diffe... read more

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