Bekler Signed Mark Twain Meerschaum Pipe

Bekler Signed Mark Twain Meerschaum Pipe - This handsome portrait carving of the legendary American writer and humorist, Mark Twain, is hand-carved by renowned Turkish master carver Ismet Bekler. It captures the distinguished look of Mark Twain, with his full head of hair parted on one side, horseshoe mustache, furrowed brow, and collared shirt and tie. The deep pipe bowl features a flat bottom, allowing the pipe to sit and rest between puffs without toppling over. Bekler signed this Mark Twain pipe on the side of the shank. The pearlescent brown-colored bent stem 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.

With its meticulous craftsmanship and historical significance, this piece is not just an everyday smoking pipe but a true work of collectible art that pays homage to the famed writer, Mark Twain.

Believed to be carved in the late 1970s or 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 brown 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: 6"
Height: 3.1"
Width: 2"
Depth: 2"
Bowl Dia.: 0.79"

Guarantee: All of our pipes come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Availability: Generally ships within 24-48 hours.
Discounts: Email info@royalmeerschaumpipes.com or call 800-567-6922 for volume discount pricing.