MARINER - 1978, 8L12

Sheesh!!! Yes, it is a pipe. Otherwise though I have to ponder over the inspiration and frustration that went into the creation of this masterpiece of the unusual. Another offering from JoE Pipe (http://jjallen57.tripod.com/joepipe/ - info@joepipe.com) that was snatched up almost as quickly as it was posted on JoE's pipe update. Here is what JoE wrote on his site about this prime example from the theatre of pipe unconformity: "I'm not even going to describe this large and out-of-this-world piece.  All I can really say is that Joe Mariner produced some of the most interesting pieces of his day, much less considering how unique these pipes would be today.  Interestingly, the pipe sits on its own with stability.  Talk about a shaping and sanding nightmare.  Unique is a vast understatement for these pipes which are ever-more rare and collectible.  Excellent condition in all respects, no issues.    Size: 7.75" x 2 7/8" "

MARKUS MEYER UNIKATE NO. 58

I was immediately taken by the uniqueness of this pipe when I first saw it. Yes, it is a freehand pipe but another term I thought of was "an abridged bridge pipe." ;-) I love that bridge extension and the plateau running along the entire length of it and down the front of the bowl. Very nice indeed! I purchased this remarkable Markus Meyer pipe from Pfeifenshop (http://www.annonces.de/Pfeifenshop/indexa.htm?/Shop/html/shopmaina.htm - pipe-shop@wwmarkt.de) in Germany. This is what was written on the website: "Markus Meyer Unikate Pipe No. 58 "acryl stem. "This Pipe is a hand-made and a real unique piece. She is putty free, Markus Meyer never uses wood putty. length: 21 cm 9 mm filters." I wrote and reserved this very unique pipe and asked for more information on the gentleman that crafted it. Lothar Wasko responded telling me that Markus Meyer lives near Munich, Germany and makes between 10 and 15 pipes per year. By profession he is an engineer and pipe carving is a hobby of his. Markus Meyer does not have a homepage (one is coming soon though) and only sells his pipes through Lothar's Pfeifenshop. It is Lothar's opinion that Meyer "is brilliant" and "one of the best pipe makers at the moment." Offhand I would say this is indeed the largest pipe I own. It is approximately 8 1/2" long by 3 1/2" high. The bottom of the bowl is about 2" wide and 2 1/2" long and has a very well crafted contour with rustication to it. Measuring on the lower side of the angled rim, the tobacco chamber is about 1 3/4" deep. Not only did the pipe come in one of the nicest bags I have yet received, it was actually large enough to hold the entire pipe. The burgundy velveteen (I think it is velveteen) has an attractive logo of "MM Design" imprinted on it. The pipe has this same artistic logo as part of the nomenclature on one side of the shank and "058" on the other side. As you can probably tell, I am very impressed with this pipe and the quality. I would also like to say though that Lothar Wasko provided top notch service and packed the pipe very well for the long journey from Germany to Oregon, USA.

MARTIN STEINTHALER - Chubicinch

Own made pipes !   Martin Steinthaler writes, "'Chubicinch' Yhea pannels over pannels. I just love such pipes. My proffession seems to come through sometimes :-) "I do not know why Peter [Matzhold] gave me this block because I haven't seen the reason why he put it aside. This pipe has the very best tight and straight grain of all my own made pipes. With this shape I tried to display all the grain and the birdeys of this plateau block. "I do not know how this pipe looks in the eyes of others but for me it is a beauty. "Made on 17-18.9.1999 Code: Tine-15  tine@x-ray.at " Martin Steinthaler's site is at http://www.tine.at/ .

MAXIE

This is a pipe by the pipemaker Max Becker. He is no longer making pipes. Here is what Max Becker wrote about this pipe, "A new hand carved plateau briar pipe. It was carved by me when I was making pipes. I am now selling off my collection and this is one of two I have left. Made from Grecian plateau briar, properly cured, it makes the finest of smoking pipes. No break in required, just fill with a fine tobacco, sit back and enjoy. This pipe would retail for $300.00. The pipe is 6 inches long and the bowl is 1 1/2 inches across and 3 inches high." The wonderful plateau bottom measures two inches across and is three inches long. With the tobacco chamber having an inner diameter of one inch and being two and a quarter inches deep, a long relaxing smoke is guaranteed. This gracefully beautiful and unusual pipe is now in my collection.

MICHAEL KABIK

I won this on an eBay auction held by Michael Kabik. Michael Kabik writes, "Discovered one more pipe packed away. As with the others it will come with a signed letter of authenticity. This is an interesting shape with very nice flared straight grain and a burgundy [actually gold] lucite bit. Since I made it for me it is simply stamped 'HAND MADE by M. Kabik' This is no doubt the last one so have fun!" As you can see, it is quite an unusual pipe. These photos really don't do the pipe justice as the contours on the bowl were very well executed. I don't know what Michael Kabik's inspiration was for this design but it kind of reminds me of an ice cream cone with a handle.