So I’m back in Missoula (where I used to live) for a friend’s wedding, and I somehow forgot my pipe/tobacco rig (or was worried it would be confiscated by TSA, or both). I wandered into The Bell Pipe & Tobacco Shop, which I haven’t entered in many many years. I was surprised to find it still a functional, though limited pipe B&M along with all the other stuff. They have the traditional 5 or so offerings from Mac Baren, a case full of nondescript Italian basket pipes (most under $30), and an array of MMs. They also have a case of private-label bulk blends, mostly aromatic but including one ‘English Oriental’ that smelled like nothing at all, I think all made by Sutliff. I believe they also offer pipe repair.
The surprise was that they had three tins of Frog Morton and one tin of what I think was McClelland’s blending Oriental (black label), each for $80. Looks like they’ve been sitting there a long time. Needless to say, I didn’t buy them, but I happily outfitted myself for the next few days with a $6 unvarnished cob — maybe an Eaton or a Morgan — as well as 1.5 oz of PS Luxury Bullseye, a pipe nail, some cleaners, and some free matches. So for $16, little more than the cost of a pack of cigarettes, I’ve got a full rig for my time out here. Pretty pleased.
The surprise was that they had three tins of Frog Morton and one tin of what I think was McClelland’s blending Oriental (black label), each for $80. Looks like they’ve been sitting there a long time. Needless to say, I didn’t buy them, but I happily outfitted myself for the next few days with a $6 unvarnished cob — maybe an Eaton or a Morgan — as well as 1.5 oz of PS Luxury Bullseye, a pipe nail, some cleaners, and some free matches. So for $16, little more than the cost of a pack of cigarettes, I’ve got a full rig for my time out here. Pretty pleased.