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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 22, 2017 22:44:21 GMT -5
Hey gang,
Today, while hittin the antique shops with my son Nick I came across a nice Gourd Calabash with a Meerschaum bowl.
It was unsmoked and in pristine condition.
The stem was oxidized but in great shape.
There were no markings or stamps anywhere on it, so I have no idea who made it or where it's from. The one thing I noticed is that the mount on the small end of the gourd, shank?, was black plastic or acrylic, so I assume it's probably not too old.
The shop owner seemed pretty willing to negotiate with me but I didn't pull the trigger.
I've never really considered getting one of these, but this one was really nice.
I don't know anything about this kind of pipe, have never smoked a meerschaum, so thought I'd ask about it here.
Are these good smokers?
Is there a lot of upkeep on these?
Please feel free to "fire away" with your comments.
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Post by billyklubb on Jul 22, 2017 23:46:21 GMT -5
This sounds odd, but if you're interested in the pipe, press your tongue against the meerschaum. If it sticks, it's good block meerschaum. If it doesn't, it might make a decent smoker but it's probably pressed meerschaum. If it's pressed I would pass on it.
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craigmillar
Junior Member
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Post by craigmillar on Jul 23, 2017 5:11:14 GMT -5
I have 5 the oldest from 1910 all are good,cool,dry smokers.
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Post by papipeguy on Jul 23, 2017 6:56:47 GMT -5
Also check the cork on the rim of the gourd to make sure it hasn't become brittle. I have a Pioneer gourd calabash that I've had since the early 19070's. I rarely smoke it but it is cool to have. Both of these are made from block by Pioneer.  |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 23, 2017 11:14:33 GMT -5
This sounds odd, but if you're interested in the pipe, press your tongue against the meerschaum. If it sticks, it's good block meerschaum. If it doesn't, it might make a decent smoker but it's probably pressed meerschaum. If it's pressed I would pass on it. Billyklub, do you press your tongue against the smooth finish of the rim of the bowl or do you remove the bowl and do this to the unpolished side? |
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Post by billyklubb on Jul 23, 2017 11:35:16 GMT -5
This sounds odd, but if you're interested in the pipe, press your tongue against the meerschaum. If it sticks, it's good block meerschaum. If it doesn't, it might make a decent smoker but it's probably pressed meerschaum. If it's pressed I would pass on it. Billyklub, do you press your tongue against the smooth finish of the rim of the bowl or do you remove the bowl and do this to the unpolished side? the more unpolished the better. if it's unsmoked, the inside rim. I'd never do this in a pipe shop, mind you. antique shop might be more acceptable. |
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Zach
Pro Member
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First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
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Post by Zach on Jul 23, 2017 22:31:09 GMT -5
Also check the cork on the rim of the gourd to make sure it hasn't become brittle. I have a Pioneer gourd calabash that I've had since the early 19070's. I rarely smoke it but it is cool to have. Both of these are made from block by Pioneer. If it's one that looks just like this Pioneer gourd calabash in the top of the picture, it's probably a Pioneer. They were unbranded. I've got one and also another Pioneer rusticated acorn meer. Their other meers they had a P on the stem but the gourds were unmarked. The plastic mount screws into the gourd. They are good smokers with a more narrow draw. I modified the draw on my other Pioneer. Left the gourd calabash as-is. The gourd inside itself can be a pain to clean. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jul 23, 2017 22:36:51 GMT -5
I have a couple. They are probably one of the nicest ways to smoke a pipe, as long as you can sit down and enjoy it. Very cool and dry smoke. Not really much more maintenance than a briar pipe. If it looks good to you I would offer what you think it's worth. With no name but unsmoked I would say between 40 and 100 dollars. You should be able to tell the general craftsmanship. Cover the bowl and see if you can draw air. If you can use it to negotiate. The gasket is easily fixed with Indian Gasket cement and cork sheet.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 24, 2017 12:28:00 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback fellas. This site is great.
So, an update...
After pondering it a bit (ok, ok a lot) over the weekend I decided to run back up there today on my lunch break.
I re-examined the pipe and found it to be in excellent condition. It looks brand new. The only thing I need to do is spend 5 minutes on the stem with a little bit of polish and get the brown back to black.
The gasket is in great shape. The meerschaum bowl looks brand new. The gourd is flawless and no cracks.
She had been originally asking $189 for it. Saturday I was trying to get her down to $30, she wouldn't go below $40.
When I went back up today we agreed on $40 with her throwing in another single pipe rest and a 3 pipe stand.
All in all I think both sides are happy with the deal.
I'll clean er up this evening and try to get some pictures up.
Dino
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Post by Ronv69 on Jul 24, 2017 12:42:47 GMT -5
Great deal! I am sure you will love it. If not, let me know and I will buy it for what you paid.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Jul 24, 2017 13:19:05 GMT -5
A man after my own heart....a good negotiator!
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Post by papipeguy on Jul 24, 2017 14:03:19 GMT -5
Well done, you got a great deal.
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Post by trailboss on Jul 24, 2017 16:21:14 GMT -5
That is some pretty good horsetrading....I woud figure that a seller would want to give a person the bums rush for offering $30.00 for a pipe priced nearing $200.00
You did great, even if you don't like the pipe, you can flip it and probably triple your money.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2017 16:41:00 GMT -5
Can someone explain the draw to these pipes, what draws pipers to this style of pipe. I don't understand how they could be a good smoke.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Jul 24, 2017 16:43:03 GMT -5
That is some pretty good horsetrading....I woud figure that a seller would want to give a person the bums rush for offering $30.00 for a pipe priced nearing $200.00 You did great, even if you don't like the pipe, you can flip it and probably triple your money. Is that an offer, Charlie??? (lol) |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jul 24, 2017 16:45:10 GMT -5
Can someone explain the draw to these pipes, what draws pipers to this style of pipe. I don't understand how they could be a good smoke. Well, they are good smokers and they have been around for over 100 years. They provide an extremely cool and dry smoke with no filter to remove any of the flavor. Maybe a little something to enhance your imagination? |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jul 24, 2017 16:45:51 GMT -5
That is some pretty good horsetrading....I woud figure that a seller would want to give a person the bums rush for offering $30.00 for a pipe priced nearing $200.00 You did great, even if you don't like the pipe, you can flip it and probably triple your money. Is that an offer, Charlie??? (lol) Mine was first! |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 24, 2017 16:52:15 GMT -5
Well gourd fans, here she is (before)  |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 24, 2017 16:53:01 GMT -5
Cleaning up the stem at this very moment.  |
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Post by That Falls Guy on Jul 24, 2017 17:05:01 GMT -5
THIEF!!!!....You stole it!  |
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Post by trailboss on Jul 24, 2017 17:13:58 GMT -5
Now you need a deerstalker hat and cape... whenever anyone makes a factual comment you can give them a steely gaze and say condescendingly: Clevah deduction Watson!"
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kraken
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Post by kraken on Jul 24, 2017 17:26:23 GMT -5
Great find! Can't wait to see the after pics.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 24, 2017 19:15:41 GMT -5
Here we go folks. After a couple of hours in oxyclean and some stem polish elbow grease...   And sitting in it's Rest with some Bent Bulldogs...  |
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Post by antb on Jul 25, 2017 1:32:43 GMT -5
Nice!
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Post by That Falls Guy on Jul 25, 2017 2:22:37 GMT -5
GREAT JOB!
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charl
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Post by charl on Jul 25, 2017 2:49:15 GMT -5
How cool is that! Nice one! |
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Post by JimInks on Jul 25, 2017 3:17:49 GMT -5
I bought one back in '78, and though I haven't smoked it much recently, it's seen a lot of action in its time, and was great from the first smoke on. They're easy to maintain and give cool smokes.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jul 27, 2017 8:04:30 GMT -5
UPDATE
With the help of a fellow calabasher from another forum we were able to determine that my newest acquisition is a "Pioneer" Gourd Calabash. They were produced from the mid 60's to the mid 80's.
So, turns out it is quite a bit older than I thought. Over 30 and maybe even 40.
Gotta love old antique shops huh?
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,365
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
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Post by Zach on Jul 27, 2017 8:22:54 GMT -5
Here we go folks. After a couple of hours in oxyclean and some stem polish elbow grease... And sitting in it's Rest with some Bent Bulldogs... Yep, that's a Pioneer. I even have the exact stand you have that they made and sold them separately for these pipes in the early 70's. You got a steal. I got mine from my grandfather.  |
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Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Jul 27, 2017 8:34:40 GMT -5
...quite a nice find and a great job of cleaning it up! Congrats on a great find and negotiation...I have a Pioneer from the mid 60's...a bit larger but has always been a good smoke...Enjoy!
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