Fikri Baki Magnum Lattice Calabash with Acrylic (Estate)

Unlike their counterparts in the world of briar, the artisans who carve meerschaum pipes are seldom known by name. Only a very small percentage of such carvers rise to a level of mastery and recognition that leads to their pipes being explicitly attributed to them. At any given outlet, you might find a pipe signed or tied to someone like Bekler, Tekin, Kenan, or Sabri, but most will simply carry the company brand, in a manner closer to factory pipe manufacture and sales.

Fikri Baki Cetekinkaya, known simply as Fikri Baki, or F. Baki, first began carving meerschaum pipes in 1969 and is today known as one of the all-time greats in his field. This is not just for his ability to carve meerschaum, but also his pioneering skills in applying techniques and materials used in briar pipes to his meerschaums. This included not just silverware, but also bamboo and ebonite, which he hand-cut for his pipes. Baki also spent time studying pipe making with the legendary German artisan Rainer Barbi (the latter being best known for his briars, but who also dabbled in meerschaum). In recent times, in part due to past exclusivity arrangements and his present retirement, Baki pipes have become increasingly difficult to acquire in the West, much to the chagrin of his many admirers.

Calabashes are by no means an uncommon shape in the meerschaum world, but it’s still always a pleasure to handle one that was carved by a genuine master of the craft. Judging by the patina on this magnum-sized rendition by Baki, it would seem that its previous owner was firmly in agreement on that. It is said that, back in the old days, when only the aristocracy could afford a meer, the rich would have their servants smoke their pipes when they were not personally using them, in order to speed up the coloring process. In the case of this one, no such help was needed, and its next owner will, consequently, have a significant head start in continuing its transformation from pearly white to golden brown.

The condition is very good. Very minor rim darkening and a couple of very small scratches on the bowl. This pipe comes with its original fitted case.

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.94 / 23.87mm

Bowl Depth: 2.18″ / 55.37mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g