Smooth Freehand CAO Meerschaum Pipe

Smooth Freehand CAO Meerschaum Pipe - The Freehand CAO Meerschaum Pipe is a striking example of contemporary carving blended with traditional craftsmanship. Although it is unsigned and cannot be authenticated, the pipe was most likely carved by Bekler in the mid-'70s before he started signing his pipes since it showcases his quality and abstract carving style. When Bekler started carving for CAO, he moved away from his distinctive freehand style and carved more marketable faces and subjects. The pipe features a bold, sculptural design with smooth curves and sharp, flowing lines that create a modern artistic look. Its abstract form sets it apart from classic styles, making it a standout piece for both smoking and display.

The deep, thick pipe bowl provides ample space for tobacco, allowing for long and satisfying smokes, while the extremely lightweight build ensures comfort in hand. The warm, pearlescent brown bent stem complements the meerschaum that, due to its age, is beginning to color naturally. 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 minimal wear and tear and adds vintage charm to this collectible piece, and the original CAO logo sticker remains preserved inside the case.

Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate unique designs, this abstract Freehand CAO Meerschaum Pipe combines functionality with artistic flair, making it a conversation piece as well as a reliable smoking companion.

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: 2"
Width: 1.5"
Depth: 1.7"
Bowl Dia.: 0.83"