E. Roberts
Okay, okay, purists will argue that it’s technically in New Joisey. All the same, it retains the name of The New York Pipe Show, and though small—particularly in comparison to the big shows like Chicago, Vegas, or Kansas City—it’s a charmingly intimate affair that we in the northeast look forward to every year. For one, it means that spring has finally arrived (albeit right after a major snowstorm usually). Its small size also means that it’s not as overwhelming as the big shows—you can take it all in and appreciate it in a couple hours, take your time browsing, and really enjoy having a low-key chat with old pipe buddies.
"I once caught a fish this big." Russ Ouellette (L) & Brian Levine (R)
Brian Levine was there, representing Sutliff & Mac Baren. It’s always an … unquantifiable … pleasure to hang out with Brian.
Speaking of Russ, the Pipes & Cigars crew had some samples of the latest creations rolling off the production line. You heard it here first, folks: Firestorm is going to be a big hit. Touted as "Anniversary Kake on steroids", it’s a sweet & savory powerhouse with plenty of Perique & Dark Fired. I’ve got my order in—do you?
Yet another tobacco world Kevin, with Russ’s latest, greatest hit.
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Despite the previous week’s blizzard, it was a sunny day and many new acquisitions were fired up at the smoking lounge. Bracing cold, but good times nonetheless.
The ‘smoking lounge’; not quite as cold as it looks. Well, ok, it was cold.
Hank Saatchi, aka ebuyer1932, modeling that "just flew in from L.A." look.
Steve Monjure making an offer I can’t refuse—Solani’s new Tropical Mango Flake! (I actually love it)
And let us not forget the pipes. The aforementioned storm kept a few regulars away, unfortunately (yes, you were truly missed Andy!), but plenty of stalwart souls made the trek to showcase their wares.
That’s the pipe you want, right there.
PipeTart’s table
Dennis Congos Charatan table
Premal Chheda and Smokers Haven representin’
A sea of meerschaums
The ‘Wild Ones’ table
Simone Conigliaro’s pipe nests
Simone Conigliaro showing off two Amorelli pipes, for which he and Hank Saatchi are the U.S. representatives.
Drop him a line at sconig49@aol.com to get yours!
The inimitable Skoda Pipes
Good friend Chris Keane working on a documentary project about Joe Skoda and his art.
Chris Keane, filmmaker.
The lifecycle of a pipe show purchase:
1. Newcomers A&G Pipes from Cape May, NJ exhibit their wares.
2. A certain pipe catches a certain eye.
3. Said pipe is purchased and packed.
4. A new nosewarmer is added to the herd – find them at capemaypipes.com
Many, many thanks to all the exhibitors and attendees, and especially to show organizers Rich Esserman and Sam Barnett, without whom this show would cease to be. As a fan, a hobbyist, a collector and part of the community, it is appreciated deeply.
(Apologies if I missed you or, more likely, fouled up with my amateur photography and didn’t include you. I am clearly the world’s worst roving reporter. –ed.)
