Hans Christian Anderson Churchwarden Opinions?

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

I am considering getting one or more HCA churchwardens, but was wondering how well they smoke. Also, the vendor doesn't indicate if the band is silver or nickel? (Given the price, I would think silver.) So all you HCA fans chime in, I'm curious about these pipes.

drwatson · Sep 1, 2014

Got one 2 weeks ago with the P&C sale on Stanwells. I have smoked it 4 times and it was wonderful. I havent used the churchwarden stem yet (they do come with 2 stems). The band on mine is not silver. Great pipes I highly recommend them from my limited time with mine.

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

I was unaware they came with two tips. That's a real bonus and explains the higher price, although I would have preferred the silver band. Still, out of all the churchwardens I've seen, these are the most handsome. Thanks for the info!

sablebrush52 · Sep 1, 2014

Excellent pipe. Band is not silver.

drwatson · Sep 1, 2014

The one I picked up is a smooth calabash, 127.00. Did'nt think that was a bad price for such a great pipe

pipestud · Sep 1, 2014

Count me in the sablebrush52 and drwatson camps. I've handled many of them over the years and am always highly impressed with their looks and the two stems is a neat bonus. My own is a great smoker and bears the nickel band rather than silver. I just cannot recall whether I've had any come through here with Silver bands.
Pipestud

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

Can you describe what a calabash is? The bowl looks rather like a typical bowl you would have on a churchwarden. (I have a 104 Savinelli churchwarden which I used to break into churchwardens to see if I would like them. Obviously I did.)

drwatson · Sep 1, 2014

Well I wish I could post a pick for you, but I have never had any luck with that. But if you go to the website its the HCA MI II.

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

The Stanwell I'm thinking about is the I MI Smooth Brown Chuchwarden, then a sandblasted version of the same pipe. For rotation purposes, you understand. Sadly, I have to wait at least a month before I drop any coin on this one because I already owe a vendor for a layaway due in September. Hope they keep these pipes in stock.
Later: drwatson, I looked at the pipe you mentioned, but it didn't have a churchwarden stem on it, but the bowl on the curved bend stem looked great. Now I'm a little confused about which one to get!

torque · Sep 1, 2014

I have a cutty HCA purchased used from a forum member. Smokes fantastically and is pretty much the perfect fold and stuff flake pipe.

drwatson · Sep 1, 2014

Right! Picture does'nt show the churchwarden stem, just the short. Big plus for me is the stems are all acylic which I like. Also they dont come in a box, but more of a Stanwell tube.

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

I don't suppose you could post this pipe of yours with the churchwarden stem? Because the bowl looks wonderful.

troutface · Sep 1, 2014

Here's mine with the short stem and what looks like a brass ring. Smokes great.

dcrguns · Sep 1, 2014

Here are pics of mine. I love it with both stems. I smoke English Flakes exclusively with it. It smokes cool and is easy to clean. It is the sandblasted IV with no filter. It was an estate from Smokingpipes.com.

sparrowhawk · Sep 1, 2014

Here's the one that caught my eye. I won't be able to afford it for about a month, but what are your thoughts on this particular Stanwell? I especially like the design of the band, and the color of stain.

doctorthoss · Sep 1, 2014

I bought one of these about 5 years ago and it is one of my favorite briars. I prefer using the shorter stem but the longer one delivers a great smoke, as well. Definitely well worth the money!

dcrguns · Sep 2, 2014

It is very nice. You should get it when you can. You will not be sorry.

sparrowhawk · Sep 2, 2014

Well, it looks like I'll have to rob the piggy bank, then. I'm not sure how I'll explain the extra expenditure, but I'll figure out something. And there's a sandblasted version of the same pipe that looks quite fetching that I will have to think about too.

sparrowhawk · Sep 4, 2014

I asked the vendor who had my Christmas billiard on layaway if they could hold it for just another month, and (I suppose) because I'm a regular customer, they generously agreed. I was therefore able to order the Stanwell above and am expecting it in the mail soon. So I'm assured of getting both pipes now.

dcrguns · Sep 4, 2014

I really think you will enjoy it. Mine is one of my favorites.

Hans Christian Anderson Churchwarden Opinions?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

The Bard Of Barlings

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Can't Leave

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now