4. What if I receive a damaged product?

If your pipe is damaged during shipping or defective by production we replace it. To claim a replacement, please return your unsmoked pipe no later than 10 days delivery with the same conditions as it was unpacked.

5. What is the product quality?

We are always fastidious in every phase of our manufacturing process. We only use the genuine block meerschaum  as we know that only the genuine meerschaum is suitable for pipe smoking. Each EP pipe is truly hand carved by our skilled artisans. Each pipe is carved with a painstaking attention to details, hand polished and waxed to a milk-white luster. Please rest assured that the pipe you receive will be equal or superior to the pipe shown in this web site. We guarantee customer satisfaction.

6. What is Meerschaum?

Meerschaum is a mineral magnesium silicate (Mg2Si3O8.2H2O).  Over many eons, seashells and corals have crumbled and formed sedimentary deposits that are compressed by wave action and plate movement.  Pieces of this material occasionally wash up along the coast of the North Sea.  Its name is the German word meaning "sea-foam" which it is said to resemble. This name reflects its characteristics of lightness in weight and whiteness in color. It is one of the most porous substances found in nature, will not burn out, and is considered by pipe smokers as the perfect material for a cool, dry smoke. Only the purist meerschaum, mined in a small area in Turkey, is suitable for making pipes.  Please have a look a roughhew meerschaum block picture just ready to be carved. It is a very permeable material, heat-resistant up to 2,000C degrees and darkens with use - turning through shades of pink, yellow, brown, reddish brown and eventually black. Virtually no need to break in. Pipes made this mineral have a cool, airy smoking character. When first mined, meerschaum is the consistency of hard cheese or soft clay.  While it is still soft, it can easily be carved into busts, figures, and intricate patterns. Some of the more popular motifs include an eagles talon holding an egg, Greek gods, Cavalier, Sultan, animals, statesmen, pirates, skulls and dragons.  Celtic, lattice, and other ornamental carving patterns are often employed.  Many traditional shapes are made as well.  After carving, the piece is cured and allowed to dry.  It is then dipped in wax to finish. Visit: www.ermecmeerschaum.com

7. How to care for a meerschaum pipe?

Dont be afraid to hold and handle your Meerschaum pipe. Smoking your pipe is a traditional pleasure and watching it color adds to your enjoyment. Also, unlike Briar which must be dried after each smoke, Meerschaum can be smoked many times a day because of its absorbing qualities. We apply double-waxing to finish the pipe. This means that you dont have to worry about your pipe in most unsuitable conditions. Our meerschaum pipes are highly durable and lifelong free trouble. Nevertheless, we recommend to avoid exposing your pipe to excessive heat and humidity conditions for a long time. As the meerschaum breathes in and out the smoke, thanks to its great permeability, use care not to block off its pores. Wipe its outer surface with a clean and soft fabric material dampened with a soft and anticorrosive cleanser as frequently as needed. Inner cleaning of meerschaum stem and mouthpiece needs to be done periodically with a proper cleaning stick dampened with a few s of soft alcohol, as you normally do in briar pipes to wipe off the nicotine deposits. Never boil or scrape the waxed side of your pipe!

8. Is it truly handmade?

Definitely yes. Since every Meerschaum Pipe we sell is individually hand carved, the first step is for the craftsmen to only the stones which he feels to be of the finest quality based upon size of the stone, density, color, and homogeneity. The carvers then transform this block of raw stone, using the same hand carving techniques which have been handed down generation to generation, into various styles of pipes the elegant smooth shapes, to intricately carved designs. This makes Meerschaum pipes one of the most prestigious, enjoyable, and beautiful pipes you can own. Our artisans only use a carving knife in their hands to dress those magnificent pipes. Even the knives are handmade. Every craftsman feels himself in peace and comfort with only his own handmade knife. They sometimes use a driller to make holes such as the tunnel between the tobacco section and mouthpiece coupling point. Check to see two of our great masters at work. Their sitting style is very typical. They sit on one leg while bending the other upright to make it use as a working platform, all together sit on a small chair. They create wonderful masterpieces just like this for years. We truly appreciate our artisans great innate aptitude.

9. Do all pipes come in a fitted case?

Yes. All our pipes come in custom-made leather and velvet lined fitted cases.

10. How do I place a wholesale order?

You are welcome for wholesale orders for every product shown in our web site. We offer amazing prices for our excellent pipes. Please visit our web site www.ermecmeerschaum.com to learn more. Contact with us i n f o @ e r m e c m e e  r s c h a u m . c o m

11. Can I place my special order?

Ermec Pipo always welcome special requests our customers. You may have a special character or figure in mind that you would like it to be carved as a pipe, bust or mask. Fill out our Feedback form or send us an e-mail with the details of what you would like to get. We will return to you at the earliest convenience giving all the details about what we could do according to your request. May we remind you our "We Make Your Portrait Pipe" speciality. You send us the front and profile view pictures of a person head, we make you a meerschaum portrait pipe as real as it gets!

12. How do I contact with you?

You can send us your comments by one of the following ways :

Mail : Ermec Pipo

Yeni Mahalle 3. Dere Sokak No:15/A 26120 Eskisehir - TURKEY

E-mail : ermecpipo@ermecmeerschaum.com , info@ermecmeerschaum.com