BBB Best Make 121

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Status
Not open for further replies.

puffermark

Might Stick Around
Feb 24, 2015
99
45
36
www.viagrasansordonnancefr.com
This is a BBB Best Make I bought off a local auction site. I was intrigued by the HAND CUT stamp on the stem. It had the diamond shaped BBB logo over BEST MAKE on the left of the shank and MADE IN ENGLAND with a shape number 121 on the right. It was pretty beat up, but I thought I’d try to get it back into useable condition. At around the equivalent of 11$, I figured I didn’t have much to lose.
My intention here was not to get a NOS look, but just to get it back into service, so although I couldn’t get all the cake and char off the rim, I stopped short of topping the bowl (I’ve had a previous disaster with that) and also left some cake intact. I’ll see how it smokes first.
I managed to fill a very deep bite mark (nearly bitten through) on the underside with a degree of success, and reshaped the button a bit as it was pretty funky. I was also able to save the HAND CUT stamp on the stem and to restore the BBB stem logo. Also, it came with an aluminium inner tube which I didn’t bother with since I don’t care for them.
The question again is about age. Since it does not have the metal insert stem logo which, according to Pipedia commenced in 1950/60, I am guessing (wishful thinking?) that it pre-dates that. I can’t see how a pipe could acquire that sort of patina since 2012, when they apparently discontinued the metal insert.
As always any information from the experts would be most welcome. Before and after pics below.
Before:








After:













 

ssjones

Moderator
Staff member
May 11, 2011
18,317
11,068
Maryland
postimg.cc
What a find! Excellent job and choice on the level of restoration - it looks just right to my eye and taste.
I've never sought out a BBB, there just isn't that much on the web to make me an educated buyer. $11? Great move.
I wonder when they stopped using the "HAND CUT" stamp and on what pipes?

 

ssjones

Moderator
Staff member
May 11, 2011
18,317
11,068
Maryland
postimg.cc
Well, I meant on what grade of BBB pipes. For example, GBD usually only stamped "HAND CUT" on pipes Virgin grade or higher (usually...).

 

bluesmk

Can't Leave
Jul 13, 2013
446
3
Bethlehem,PA
I'm with Al on this one. Also the three facts, side stamping, stem stamping, both "hand cut" and the logo...AND the presence of an "inner tube" my gut feeling it's much older than 50's and is probably pre metal insert.

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes

Pipes and Cigars

 
Status
Not open for further replies.