Bekler Fish Out of Water CAO Knurl Meerschaum Pipe

Bekler Fish Out of Water CAO Knurl Meerschaum Pipe - This exquisite meerschaum pipe, hand-carved by renowned Turkish master carver Ismet Bekler, features a unique and imaginative fish design—an elegant blend of form and function. Showcasing Bekler’s signature artistry, the pipe is sculpted in a dynamic, lifelike pose with remarkably detailed scales and fins, each line executed with near-perfection. Adding to its practicality, two of the fins are flattened to create a natural sitter base, ensuring the pipe remains stable when set down.

Bekler chose to sign this piece on the side of the fish, just above the scale pattern—a distinctive touch that sets it apart from typical signatures on the shank. The smooth knurl extends the length of the pipe and visually balances the height of the fish, creating a refined and harmonious silhouette. Paired with a scrolled, amber-colored bent stem, the pipe features a brass-embedded CAO logo, a mark of authenticity and prestige. The original CAO logo sticker remains preserved inside the pipe's custom case.

Believed to be carved in the late 1970s or early 1980s, this pipe was crafted from 100% solid block meerschaum of exceptional quality. Despite its grand size, the pipe remains lightweight, making it not only a stunning display piece but also a comfortable smoke.

The pipe comes in its original green leather custom-fitted case, handmade with brass hinges and soft velvet lining for protection. While the leather case shows minor signs of wear, it retains its structural integrity and adds vintage charm to this collectible piece.

A rare find and an outstanding example of vintage Turkish pipe artistry, this signed Bekler pipe is a must-have for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Ismet Bekler was a prolific and popular carver when Mr. Irving Korn discovered him in the early 1970s during one of his trips to Turkey. Around 1977, a company named CAO (who at that time was primarily affiliated with Tinder Box pipe shops) contracted with Bekler to sell all of his carvings to them. CAO wanted to make Bekler a more well-known carver in the US, and it was at this time he began signing his pipes. Since CAO wanted more production and higher quantities of his pipes, Bekler stopped doing all the work himself. Although Bekler still did the basic carving, he let others in his workshop do the sanding, waxing, and fitting the bit to the pipes.

Over his long career, he became widely respected as one of the finest meerschaum carvers in Turkish history. Ismet Bekler passed away in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, innovation, and timeless craftsmanship that continues to be admired by collectors and pipe smokers around the world.

All dimensions are approximate.
Length: 10"
Height: 5"
Width: 2.3"
Depth: 2.2"
Bowl Dia.: 0.84"