Meerschaum advice please

[Gumball]

There appears to be a Meerschaum shaped hole in my pipe collection that only an impending PAD can fill

I have my eye on the pipes below, and would appreciate comments from fellow BoB's as I don't know much about Meer's.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Meerschaum-Apple-By-Sevket-/150986954049?pt=UK_Collectables_Tobacciana_Smoking_LE&hash=item2327861541

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unsmoked-Meerschaum-Apple-/160964605433?pt=UK_Collectables_Tobacciana_Smoking_LE&hash=item257a3cf5f9

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unsmoked-Meerschaum-Saxaphone-/150986950982?pt=UK_Collectables_Tobacciana_Smoking_LE&hash=item2327860946

I have dealt with this eBay seller before so I know that he is an honest chap. His briar pipe prices are always good, but I don't know enough about Meer's to say if these are a bargain or not.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[yadan]

Hi Gumball,

I'm no expert on meers, although I smoked a couple in the past and enjoyed them greatly. These meers certainly look genuine block and hand-carved, and the starting prices are OK.
Of course, everything depends on how high the bidding gets and how much you're willing to spend. I wouldn't want to suggest any bids since anyone reading this could easily snipe you (which could happen anyway, of course!)

These are really nice, and I wish you best of luck in the bidding! :sunny:

 

[stewartinsaudi]

Of the three, the first two are obviously the more practical. I have, smoke, and like meerschaums. I go through phases where they are my exclusive smoke. And I have one very similar to the last one you are looking at. It has an enormous bowl and is beautifully carved. However, I feel kind of foolish holding it and would really feel foolish smoking it.

But that is just my two cents.

 

[monbla256]

I have 4 meers, all carved and MY personal preference of the three you showed would be the Sevkt Apple. He's one of the better carvers in the Meer world and that design would color very nicely after a steady 20/30 years of smoking. As far as price goes, I'm not up on the current Dollar/Pound exchange rate but I've seen some of his work go in the $200.00+ US range new. That one and the Saxophone Sultan I'm sure are block meer which is what you want, but I could not really comment on the other as it looks like it could be a molded/pressed meer. My choice would be the first one but that's just my personal preference looks wise. Let us know which you choose and good luck bidding wise