CAO XL Smooth Sitter w/ Wind Cap Estate Block Meerschaum Pipe, Turkish Estates

Description

Founded in 1964 by Turkish engineer Cano A. Ozgener, CAO was one of the most renowned importers of meerschaum pipes in the last half-century, thanks in no small part to their close affiliation with master carvers such as Ismet Bekler. Emerging out of Ozgener’s own dissatisfaction with the quality of Turkish-made meerschaum pipes of the time, Ozgener began by applying his engineering background in modifying these pipes to improve their overall construction. Upon seeing how well these modified meerschaums were received by local tobacconists, Ozgener decided to work with Turkish meerschaum carvers in the production of their pipes, leading to the creation of the immensely popular CAO Meerschaum brand. At the end of the 2000s CAO was acquired by Scadinavian Tobacco Group, and has since ceased its involvement in meerschaum pipes.

As I always say, I’m biased toward our own MBSD Meerschaums, but CAO was why I got into meerschaum pipes in the first place, so I’ll always have a soft spot for them—and a place in our listings, when they come in. This one is a fantastic, large sitter, carved not unlike a chimney or a stove. It even has an integrated wind cap, held securely by a small chain.

The condition is also very good. Some minor inner rim darkening and the beginnings of a nice, healthy patina.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 2.08″ / 52.83mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g