This is an incredibly rare, original full box of Aristocob pipe inserts from the Al Cobb Corporation of Grand Haven, Michigan.
Two of these inserts have what appears to be a ceramic material in the base, while the third has the more common metal insert. This is the first time I've seen the ceramic based inserts in viewing hundreds of Aristocob inserts.
From Pipedia.org:
The Aristocob is an American made system pipe with corn cob bowl inserts. Originally the AL-COB CORPORATION out of Grand Haven, Michigan, which later became ARISTOCOB INCORPORATED from Caledonia, Michigan. Later still they were 2024 bought out by Missouri Meerschaum Company
Apparently available in the first place in a plastic case containing one pipe, 2 replacement corn cob bowl inserts and instructions for use. The cob inserts were made for some time by The Missouri Meerschaum Company, manufacturer of corn cob pipes in Washington, MO. The box shown is their box. They made the inserts from the early 1970's until 1983. They are no longer available from that source but do appear on eBay at times
The top of the vaned outer bowl unscrews to enable easy replacement of the bowl insert. An inline filter can be used in the stem. The mouthpiece has been seen in two version, with and without an ‘O' ring. The patent was filed on 20 Dec 1966 with the US patent 3,292,639.[1] The inventor was Joesph W. Zarikta of Grand Haven, Michigan USA – the assignor was the Al Cobb Corp. Courtesy Smokingmetal.co.uk
Product code: Very Rare Aristocob Refills from Al Cobb 2024 Corp. (Original Inventor)