Calabash gourds have long made prized pipes, but they are very hard to construct. Today, they are quite expensive, unless you are shopping with us. These pipes have bodies made of wood instead of gourd, but still adhere to the same classic shape, as they are sold as calabashes. In most cases, both wood and gourd pipes are functionally the same. These consist of a downward curve that ends with an upcurve where the bowl sits. Beneath the bowl is an air chamber that has a unique function; it serves to cool, dry, and mellow the smoke. There are more and more briar pipes being sold as calabashes. These usually do not have an air chamber and are named only because of their external shape.

A calabash pipe is rather large and easy to recognize as a pipe. In most cases, it is used on a stage for dramatic productions. Early portrayers of the most infamous character Sherlock Holmes were stickened with this prop. In particular, it was William Gillete and Basil Rathborne that took advantage of this fact. After that, it was basically required to portray Holmes smoking with one of these pipes. Ultimately, this is why Holmes is stereotypically depicted as favouring a calabash. In fact, most stories described him as preferring a long-stemmed cherry-wood or a clay pipe.

Our pipes are imported directly from Germany, Denmark and Italy. This unique relationship with the pipemakers allows us to sell pipes at far more reasonable rates. Every single pipe is engraved with the pipemaker's name, ensuring a backing of quality and satisifaction. From the Meerschaum Merchant, you can expect customer satisfaction immediately! With their affordable quality goods, and a 90-day warranty against defection, you will more than enjoy the durability of professional grade briar wood. This is the calabash meerschaum pipe, which is the classic, regal smoke from this brand of tobacco pipes.

For information sake, the construction of a Calabash pipes typically consist of a downward curve that ends with an upcurve where the tobacco is held. This low center of gravity allows for the user to easily hold the pipe by the mouth alone. This allows for the ability for the user to be hands free. This advantage was often used by actors who wanted to depict their character smoking while permitting them to do other business at the same time. We bet you'll be more than impressed with our extensive collection of calabash meerschaum pipes!