Bekler Sea Captain 1980 Limited Edition Meerschaum Pipe

Bekler Sea Captain 1980 Limited Edition Meerschaum Pipe - This Ismet Bekler Sea Captain Meerschaum Pipe is a rare limited-edition carving that captures the rugged spirit of life at sea. Hand-carved in 1980, this exclusive piece is numbered 55 of only 100 ever made, making it a highly collectible treasure for serious pipe enthusiasts. Bekler’s detailed portrait depicts a seasoned sea captain wearing a traditional captain’s hat, with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and a deeply wrinkled face marked by a strong, dimpled chin—a lifelike representation of the hardships and resilience of a mariner’s life.

Made from premium 100% solid block meerschaum, the pipe is both durable and lightweight, offering a deep pipe bowl with plenty of room to fill with tobacco. The smooth shank is signed by Bekler along with the CAO hallmark, confirming its authenticity and historic value. Its fully bent pearlescent brown stem is fitted with the CAO brass logo dot for added distinction, while the pipe’s flat base allows it to sit securely without toppling over. The underside is etched with “’80 Sea Captain No. 55 of 100,” marking it as a true limited-edition collectible.

Combining artistry, rarity, and function, this Bekler Sea Captain pipe is a striking example of the master carver’s work and a piece that belongs in any serious meerschaum or estate pipe collection.

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

Ismet Bekler was one of Turkey’s most prolific and celebrated meerschaum pipe carvers, renowned for his artistry and innovation. His talent was first recognized in the early 1970s when Irving Korn discovered his work during a trip to Turkey. By 1977, Bekler had partnered with CAO, a company then closely tied to Tinder Box pipe shops, to bring his carvings to the American market. This collaboration marked the beginning of Bekler signing his pipes, making his work more identifiable and sought after by collectors.

As demand grew, Bekler continued to design and carve the intricate bowls himself while allowing skilled craftsmen in his workshop to handle sanding, waxing, and stem fitting. This balance allowed him to produce more pipes while maintaining the high level of quality for which he became famous. Over his long career, Bekler established himself as one of the greatest meerschaum carvers in Turkish history, with his creations admired worldwide for their detail, elegance, and smoking qualities.

Ismet Bekler passed away in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of hand-carved meerschaum pipes that remain prized by collectors and pipe enthusiasts. Today, his name stands as a symbol of authenticity, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship in the world of meerschaum carving.

All dimensions are approximate.

Length: 6.5"
Height: 3.4"
Width: 1.9"
Depth: 2.2"
Bowl Dia.: 0.88"