Raw Meerschaum SampleThe naturally white meerschaum nodules are mined from 50 to 150 meters below the Earth's surface in irregular forms and sizes. The material is initially soft and in white or beige color. Once extracted, it is cleaned and desiccated prior to carving. The drying process is crucial since it can get difficult to carve the mineral once it is over heated or exposed to sun.

The carving process ends with sanding which is followed by last drying step. Finally the making of the pipe ends with polishing and waxing. The waxing process carries an utmost importance as it corks the porous on the outer shell of the pipe.

The pipe should regularly be cleaned and cared during its lifetime. As the material is natural, it gives the utmost enjoyment of flavor. As it is used, the pipe changes color and becomes yellowish which adds collectible value to the owner. A properly cared meerschaum pipe can persist for a life time and gives the same experience to the owner both as a decoration item and a genuine pipe to smoke.

Meerschaum is a rare mineral found mostly in Turkey, where universally acclaimed finest quality meerschaum comes from. It is said that the art of meerschaum pipe making began in 17th century during the Ottoman reign in the Balkans.In 18th century, Vienna, as the closest neighboring capital to Ottoman Empire became an artisan capital fulfilling the increasing demand for meerschaum pipes. Despite the fact that the mineral was coming from Ottoman lands, the name was given by the Austrian craftsmen. Meerschaum is literally translated as 'sea foam' which does not have any particular relation to hydrous magnesium silicate except its white color.

In the 20th century, Turkey has banned the export of raw meerschaum to stimulate local industry and the works of artisan shops. Since then, Eskisehir has been the world's capital of meerschaum pipes.

Meerschaum pipes have been in public view when Col. Hans Landa (played by Christoph Waltz) in the movie Inglorious Bastards was pleasantly smoking his Calabash Lattice model meerschaum pipe.  Another public view of the meerschaum is exposed when the famous detective Sherlock Holmes reputedly smoked a meerschaum pipe while leaving his hands free on the stage adaptated version in which the actor William Gillette was playing although this particular story was not mentioned in Arthur Conan Doyle's books.

 

Eskisehir in TurkeyAlmost all of the commercial meerschaum reserves are located Eskisehir province which is located between Istanbul and Ankara, in northwestern Turkey. Meerschaum mineral, 'luletasi' in Turkish, is locally named as white gold due to its color and uniqueness to the geography.

Though less abundant, meerschaum deposits are also found in some parts of Europe and North America. Lesser grade meerschaum mines are available in Africa's northern coasts and Tanzania with varying shades of brown and black. It is possible to find imitated materials and pressed powder pipes that looks like meerschaum in the market, whereas the original meerschaum nodules are carved and polished on hand to particularly protect the porous and light structure of the mineral; thus making original Eskisehir meerschaum pipes even more exceptional. 

Eskisehir holds "Meerschaum Festival" organised by the municipality every year in September.

Dimensions (L x H x W): 15,5 x 5,5 x 4,0 cm
Figure: Eagle's Claw
Material: Meerschaum

Origin: Eskisehir, Turkey
Tradition: Aristocracy of tobacco smoking pipes; acclaimed as the best material for pipes and an exquisite display item
Significance: Light weight, porous property of the material and hand-carved artistic figure due to initial softness when it is first extracted.

Shipping: 

Ships from Turkey via UPS or Turkish National Post Office (PTT).
Shipment information and price may vary. The exact price will be informed to the customer once the product is purchased. For estimated price, please proceed to checkout screen.