Altinok Meerschaum Straight Billiard

Meerschaum - almost every pipe collector has one pipe made of this hardened clay of calcium and magnesium silicates. It literally translates to "sea foam" and the material is the result of thousands of years of coral deposits. It can be found in a few places around the world, but the largest deposits with the highest quality are found in Turkey.

Most meerschaum pipes are carved in Turkey as well and there is a prevalence of finely carved pipes in just about any shape you can imagine. Naturally, I'm something of a purist and was not interested in a bust of Bacchus (a very popular shape), JFK, or my own likeness (that's a thing) as a shape to hold on to.

I received this as a gift from my now ex-wife. It was almost too pretty to touch. I preferred Altinok as I trusted the quality of their meerschaum. Many manufacturers use a lower quality meerschaum and the pipes don't stand the test of time. I felt that Altinok would and I don't believe I was wrong, as I'll describe a bit later.

First thing to note, this is quite a long pipe. It is 7 inches long, a full inch longer than my Peterson billiard. While meerschaum is generally lighter in weight than briar, at this length, it feels heavy in my teeth. Though, this isn't really a problem. It promotes a more focused, quiet smoke, with the pipe held in hand. This is not the type of pipe you drive with or take to the tailgate. This is a pipe you care for and you hold with a small patch of leather or white gloves to keep any dirty oils from your hands from staining the pipe. It has a decent sized chamber and it smokes very cool. This is my go-to pipe for aromatics, which tend to have more moisture and burn hotter.

One of the more rewarding aspects of owning a meerschaum pipe is color. Over time, the oils in the tobacco smoke are absorbed into the porous material. A well used meerschaum pipe will eventually be a golden brown, and displaying one in knowing company will have many commenting in awe of your dedication. I would frequently blow the smoke all around the pipe to ensure that more smoke was in contact with it. Alas, my own color is incomplete. But there's more to the story here.

First, notice how the color is at the base and not the top of the bowl. Before the color sets, it is actually only absorbed when the pipe is hot and the thin layer of paraffin wax is soft. So there are two things here, if the pipe gets too hot when smoked, that wax drifts to the bottom drawing the oils in the smoke with it. In addition, properly caring for a meerschaum pipe requires that you wax it regularly. I've never once done this and I hang my head in shame for it. I have heard that people dip the pipe in hot paraffin wax, but I imagine you could buff it on as well if it is a smooth one like this. If dipping, you'll want to make sure you plug the bowl and tenon hole to keep wax out of those orifices.

Now to the really shameful part. I was in the mood for my favorite aromatic - Black Velvet. I was also getting ready for work and had planned to smoke in the car. I managed all of this just fine, right up until I parked my car at work. I opened that door and was struggling with my lunch bag and seatbelt with the pipe clenched between my teeth when I turned my head and smacked the pipe on the rear part of the door jam, knocking my precious meerscahum pipe straight to the asphalt below. There was surprisingly little damage, but the edge of the bowl received some chips and the front of the bowl itself did get one nasty scar just to the right of center. I'm so upset with myself that I vowed never to drive with a pipe whose finish I wanted to preserve and that I would never own another meerschaum as I clearly wasn't worthy.

However, over the years, I have increased my pipe collection and I do feel that one day, I can trust myself with meerschaum again. While I have figured out a way to drive and protect my pipes better, I'll never drive with another meerschaum again. This pipe, being damaged already, can now travel as readily as my rusticated Peterson's, so I so have that silver lining.

If you are drawn to the sheer beauty of meerschaum and you've never owned one before, let me just say that they do require more care than a briar pipe. Be prepared to dip them occasionally in wax to keep that color coming. Never ever ever let a cake build up in meerschaum, the cake expands at a different rate than the meerschaum and can crack the bowl. Besides, meerschaum pipes have no break in period like briar and the cake is not needed. Finally, always use a clean cloth, leather, or gloves to handle the pipe to prevent oils from your hands from discoloring it (oh, and don't use dyed leather pipe stands, they'll stain your pipe too).

Happy Puffing!

T