Italiano
A smooth, burnished-coloured Missouri Meerschaum pipe, a classic straight barrel model with a black plastic mouthpiece. Country Gentleman rating. This pipe is very cheerful and carefree, with an original design that has become a classic over time. The pipe is made from meerschaum by the legendary Missouri Meerschaum Company, which grows the meerschaum itself and then processes it in its factory, established over 150 years ago. After allowing the meerschaum to air-dry for over two years, the bowls are shaped and sorted by size. The bowl is then coated with chalk which, once dry, is sanded to make the pipe more durable over time. Finally, the pipe is fitted with a wooden stem and a plastic mouthpiece. A metal ring on the stem helps to make it more sturdy. Some series are also sprayed with a thin layer of lacquer for a ‘shinier’ finish. The finished pipe is hard and durable, ready for action. It is a classic, especially in the summer months, as it is cool, low-maintenance and economical. The flavour of the smoke is unique, with hints of corncob blending with that of our tobacco. The sensation is distinctive but very pleasant. The plastic mouthpiece is less pleasant, regardless of the quality of the workmanship. The pipe is large in size and stands out for its spacious bowl and excellent smokeability in any situation. Its lightness makes it ideal for any smoking session, whether out for a walk or comfortably seated in an armchair. The price is higher than that of classic pipes as the model is hand-shaped. The bowl is not coloured but burnished by passing a flame over the corn cob.
An important fact to bear in mind is that, sooner or later, all corncob pipes will burn out. Depending on the smoker’s skill, its lifespan may be longer or shorter. It is a fact of life that must be accepted, but it does not detract from the magic of smoking such a pipe, thanks also to its affordable price. In my many years in the pipe world, I have had only one customer who managed to smoke his corncob pipe regularly every summer without ever burning it out.
The pipe for sale is a sample piece, as shown in the photos. As the pipe is mass-produced, there may be slight variations in dimensions, which can vary by plus or minus one millimetre. The actual colour of the pipe may differ slightly from the photo, as each pipe is a natural product.