Shapes/Categories

[oldmooner]

I'm confused. In this day of new shapes and categories of pipe (Egg, Volcano, Horn, etc) I find it hard to keep up. One question I have is when does a Dublin become a Calabash and vice versa. Is there a "rule of thumb" or some standard? What is a "double" calabash. I have always thought of the Calabash as a gourd pipe with a meerschaum bowl that used to be referred to as a "Sherlock Holmes" style. Now I find wooden full-bent styles called "calabash".

 

[rogers]

A Dublin has a flat rim, a calabash has a domed rim. At least that's how I see 'em.

 

[mso489]

Boy, there's no covering that expansive array of shapes in a post. Start with one or two of the shape charts. The shapes you mention are (mostly) not recent but go way back. Except for conservative lines of factory pipes, there is often a blurring of shapes or original takes on them. I agree the gourd Calabash is associated with Sherlock Holmes, because of the series starring Nathan Rathbone, which was selected for its dramatic impact, but I think the pipes described in the original Holmes stories were less theatrical. I notice some of the online retailers don't even pin down shape names, leaving it to the customer to figure it out or ignore it. Many, many pipe shapes are wrongly identified, conspicuously so, especially on smaller online sites.

 

[cigrmaster]

This is a Calabash.


This is a Dublin.


They don't have much if anything in common.

 

[logs]

Just do an image search on google for "briar calabash" and you'll see all the variations. Some makers go to great lengths to imitate the appearance of a gourd calabash, others just have suggested the look of a calabash by adding the domed rim and not much else. None of them actual smoke like a true gourd calabash, although the reverse calabash is supposed to come pretty close.

 

[shanez]

I agree the gourd Calabash is associated with Sherlock Holmes, because of the series starring Nathan Rathbone, which was selected for its dramatic impact, but I think the pipes described in the original Holmes stories were less theatrical.

He's usually smoking a clay pipe in most stories but a pipe rack with more pipes is referenced a few times plus at least on story that I know of has him smoking a briar pipe but with no shape description or other description.

 

[condorlover1]

I believe he also had a cherry wood pipe as well!

 

[logs]

the series starring Nathan Rathbone,

Basil Rathbone is the name you're looking for. His version of Holmes always seems to be smoking a bent billiard or a dublin. I think the calabash/Holmes association comes from earlier William Gillette portrayal in Broadway theatrical productions like the one pictured here (although he's smoking a cigar in this shot)

 

[trubka2]

This is a Calabash.

Harris, how is that shape distinguished from a bent Rhodesian? Is it the bend in the stem? Those are both incredible pipes, btw. I've seen pics of the Dublin before, and it's a real jaw-dropper.

Like OP, I'm totally mystified by some of these shapes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Harris, how is that shape distinguished from a bent Rhodesian?

I was thinking the same thing, and this is a dublin.?

 

[burleyboy]

Basil Rathbone is the name you're looking for. His version of Holmes always seems to be smoking a bent billiard or a dublin. I think the calabash/Holmes association comes from earlier William Gillette portrayal in Broadway theatrical productions like the one pictured here (although he's smoking a cigar in this shot)

I saw Jeremy Brett smoking a Calabash in the 80ies / 90ies BBC Holmes series. I forgot the title of the episode, but it takes place in Switzerland. Brett is in my opinion the best Holmes actor...



Sorry for drifting away from
the original topic.

 

[judcole]

Pipe shapes chart.

 

[trubka2]

this is a dublin

Damn, that IS a Dublin. Beautiful. Same maker?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Damn, that IS a Dublin. Beautiful. Same maker?

Nah, That one is one of my Bruce Weaver pieces. Hippo tooth was used for the shank accent. He gave me that one and a long shanked acorn when he retired.

 

[achtman]

This’d
This is a calabash from 1907. About 4 1/2 inches wide.
Mark


This

 

[trubka2]

Nah, That one is one of my Bruce Weaver pieces. Hippo tooth was used for the shank accent. He gave me that one and a long shanked acorn when he retired.

Wow, what a present. Nobody ever gives me anything with hippo teeth in it anymore. That really is some pipe. Just the transition and that light cant are feast enough for my eyes that they won't have to eat for a week.

 

[Chasing Embers]

feast enough for my eyes that they won't have to eat for a week

And that one is just the baby of the bunch.?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Oh, that Calabash is gorgeous.

As to Mr. Holmes smoking a Calabash out side, literary license!! Even though he was eccentric, I doubt a real guy would do that. Or am I wrong? Calabash smokers, speak up!

 

[irishearl]

A Dublin has a flat rim, a calabash has a domed rim. At least that's how I see 'em.

That's how I look at it. I have a Stanwell HCA with domed rim which I've always considered to be a calabash.

 

[smokiespipesmoker123]

Oh, that Calabash is gorgeous.

As to Mr. Holmes smoking a Calabash out side, literary license!! Even though he was eccentric, I doubt a real guy would do that. Or am I wrong? Calabash smokers, speak up!

I dont have a choice.... I always smoke outside... that said.. I wouldn't take my Gourd Calabash on a hike