Italiano
A smooth, straw-yellow Missouri Meerschaum pipe, a classic straight billiard-style model with a yellow plastic mouthpiece. Legend 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 being left to air-dry for over two years, the meerschaum blocks 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 corn husk mingling with that of our tobacco. The sensation is distinctive but very pleasant. The plastic mouthpiece is less pleasant, regardless of the quality of the craftsmanship. The pipe is of medium size and stands out for its discreet bowl and excellent smokeability in any situation. Its lightness makes it ideal for any smoke, whether out for a walk or comfortably seated in an armchair.
An important feature to be aware of is that, sooner or later, all corncob pipes 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 low cost. In my many years in the pipe world, I have had only one customer who managed to smoke the ‘pannocchia’ 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.