Bekler Signed Sitting Walrus Meerschaum Pipe

Bekler Signed Sitting Walrus Meerschaum Pipe - Another unique carving by renowned Turkish master carver Ismet Bekler is this walrus, a marine mammal not commonly found in Turkey. The walrus is carved looking upward, showing his long tusks, and he sits on an iceberg, giving the pipe a wide, flat bottom, allowing it to sit and rest between puffs without toppling over. The I. Bekler signature is etched on the side of the smooth 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.

This pipe was made from 100% solid block meerschaum of exceptional quality. Despite its large 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. The leather case shows minimum wear and tear 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: 7.2"
Height: 2.5"
Width: 2.2"
Depth: 1.5"
Bowl Dia.: 0.81"

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.