The Newest Part Of My Brigham Collection. (Pic Heavy)

Hi Chris,
I spoke with Dan and here is what he was able to find out with regards to the pic of the pipe that you sent us. He remembers seeing it about 10-15 years ago along with one that was more intricately carved with dogs pulling a sled. Both these pipes are one of a kind.
This according to Mr. More:
Mr. B (Herb Brigham) was a very curious gentlemen. Always exploring new techniques and methods or just simply questioning the status quo as he was fond of saying, “just for fun”. He remained curious until the day he passed. As a result of Mr. B’s curiosity, he traveled extensively bringing back with him curios and more “just for fun” notions. In the late 1960’s and 1970’s the Canadian north was made accessible to the lay traveler. The Polar Bear Express from Cochrane to Moosonee helped with opening the north when it was launched in 1964. It was also around this time that James Houston, with backing from the Federal government, started to bring Inuit carvings south. Although so common now there was a time when these carvings did not exist south of 60th parallel. It would be the combining of these events that culminated into the pipe you are inquiring about.
Unfortunately, when these pipes were found Mr. B’s memory was not what is used to be and he recollected “bringing these back from a trip north”. Other bits of the story have lead me to think instead, that he took a couple of pieces of briar block with him and left them to be carved. Unfortunately, without a signature it is impossible to know who the carver was. The 9 Dot pinning was applied to identify the pipes as extraordinary and outside the norm. To think that the pinning was achieved without the aid of a guide or template is a testament to the skills of our pipe makers at that time. I have never seen another case like the case with this pipe.
Now you have a story to go along with your, literally, one of a kind find.
Enjoy and we will chat soon.
Cheers,
Penelope

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