Missouri Meerschaum Model Guide

The Missouri Meerschaum model guide offers a comparative introduction to the corncob pipe line currently produced by the company founded in 1869 by Henry Tibbe in Washington, Missouri. The line consists of dozens of models that look very similar from the outside; the differences show up in bowl height, wall thickness, surface finish, and stem type. For the company's own history and manufacturing method, see the Missouri Meerschaum entry.

Finish and Body Construction

Most models are coated and finished with a plaster-like coating based on the method Tibbe patented in 1878. This treatment seals the corncob's porous surface and reinforces the body. Some models, however, are left untreated ("natural"); the cob's own texture and reddish tone remain visible. A third group, as with the Country Gentleman, is painted black.

Large-bowled models have a wooden plug fitted underneath. The Country Gentleman is reported to have gained this base in 2013. Stems are mostly acrylic or amber-colored plastic; vulcanite is used in some lines. Some models have a filter chamber and some don't; see the pipe filters and systems entry for details.