Fikri Baki Magnum Smooth Calabash with Silver and Cumberland (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 exclusivity arrangements, Baki pipes have become increasingly difficult to acquire in the West, much to the chagrin of his many admirers.

Though its basic form is that of a calabash—a shape that has been associated with meerschaum for centuries—this Baki certainly has a “Danish” tinge to it, recalling the artisan briars of the 1970s onward. Magnum in proportions and with a flowing, operatic figure akin to the nautical Dublins of Denmark and elsewhere, it is a striking piece. As it’s a Baki, the pipe also features not only a sterling silver army mount, but a hand-cut cumberland mouthpiece and shank accent. Despite its enormous size, the pipe has begun to color nicely, as a further testament to the quality of materials Baki elects to work with.

The condition is good. Some small scratches around the bowl. This pipe comes with its original fitted hard case.

Details:

Length: 7.6″ / 193.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.99 / 25.14mm

Bowl Depth: 2.30″ / 58.42mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 88g