To expound article on coloring of Meerschaum pipes that can be found here, I thought I'd offer up this beautiful example of a well colored meerschaum pipe.

This pipe has been lovingly smoked and cared for for over 140 years! It was originally purchased in 1860, probably somewhere in the mid-west. It had been handed down from grandfather to father to son before being bequeathed to James Allison the previous owner of the Tobacco Barn store by a grateful customer who was the previously mentioned son. James has since left it with us here at the barn since it truly is a show piece that deserves to be shared in the store.

It is in fantastic shape with no apparent damage to the bowl or stem and is complete with the original fitted case. The case shows the wear you would expect for a piece of this age but is still functionally perfect. The brass hinges are intact and perfectly aligned and the catch is a rather nice snap closure rather than the external closures found on most Meerschaum cases these days. Around the edge of the case is embossed in (worn) gold lettering: W. Jenkinson Co. Pittsburgh PA. Inside the case, the furred lining is stamped with: Genuine Meerschaum Warranteed.

Aside from the deep coloration of the bowl and shank, one of the first things you notice is how shiny this pipe is. One might even think that it has been shellacked to reach this level of gloss. According to James however, the only extra care this pipe has had is a regular buffing with a soft cloth to bring out this sheen.

Thank you James keeping the tradition alive. On another note, we are working with James to start his own blog to give him a chance to write down his memories and stories of life as a tobacconist and lifelong smoker.