Kiko Lovat Leather Wrap African Meerschaum-Lined Pipe

Kiko Lovat Leather Wrap African Meerschaum-Lined Pipe - A remarkable survivor from the Tanganyika Meerschaum Corporation, this vintage unsmoked Kiko Lovat pipe represents a unique chapter in East African pipe-making history. The bowl is lined with genuine African Amboseli meerschaum and wrapped, along with the long Lovat shank, in finely hand-stitched light brown leather. The supple leather covering gives the pipe its distinctive appearance, while the African meerschaum lining is prized for producing a cool, dry smoke.

True to the classic Lovat design, the pipe features an elongated, leather-covered shank fitted with a reinforced metal mount that provides a durable connection to the short black saddle stem. The stem is inlaid with Kilimanjaro's famous white rhinoceros emblem, the recognized trademark of authentic Kiko pipes. The shank is stamped "63 KIKO" on one side and "Made in Tanganyika" on the other, documenting its manufacture before Tanganyika became part of modern-day Tanzania.

Exceptionally well preserved for more than half a century, the pipe is accompanied by its original Kilimanjaro presentation box, which retains its printed lid and Tanganyika Meerschaum Corporation rhinoceros logo on the side, showing only light age-related wear.

Also included is the original illustrated booklet describing the history of African meerschaum, complete with photographs and descriptions of the various pipe models produced during the company's brief but influential history. Together, the original box and booklet significantly enhance the pipe's provenance and collector appeal.

The Tanganyika Meerschaum Corporation was founded in 1955 after rich meerschaum deposits were discovered near Mount Kilimanjaro, with additional deposits later identified near Lake Amboseli. Unlike Turkish meerschaum, African meerschaum from this region was known for its greater density and lower porosity, giving these pipes their own distinctive smoking characteristics. Following the 1964 union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form Tanzania, production eventually ceased, making original Kiko pipes increasingly scarce and highly collectible.

Complete with its documented Tanganyika origin, original presentation box, historical booklet, authentic African meerschaum lining, and exceptional state of preservation, this vintage Kiko Lovat pipe offers collectors a rare opportunity to own an important piece of East African pipe-making heritage.

All dimensions are approximate.

Length: 6.2"
Height: 2.1"
Width: 1.8"
Bowl Depth: 1.6"
Bowl Dia.: 0.84"

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Availability: Generally ships within 24-48 hours.
Discounts: Contact us for wholesale pricing.