How to Identify an Imitation Meerschaum

Meerschaum is often used for pipes and smoking accessories.

You may find a deal on a meerschaum pipe on the Internet through auction or classified sites; however, it will be very difficult to determine whether the opaque and stone-like smoking instrument is made of the real thing. Imitation meerschaum is either made of meerschaum waste material combined with glue or with plaster of Paris. Even the highest quality meerschaum replica is distinguishable from the genuine version.

Instructions

1. Look for a vertical seam through the pipe's bowl. This is an unmistakable indication that your pipe was cast from a mold. Real meerschaum is carved.

2. Rub the meerschaum with silver. If you see marks that look like graphite from a pencil, the meerschaum is not authentic.

3. Check the country of origin. Most genuine meerschaum pipes are manufactured in Turkey. While this doesn't guarantee authenticity, it is more likely that a Turkish pipe is made of genuine meerschaum.

References

• Reference: Meerschaum
• Sultan Pipes: Beware of Synthetic Meerschaum
• The Antique Shoppe: Meerschaum A Gift From The Sea
• Chest of Books: Meerschaum