The mini-magnum Dunhill that board member guylesss rescued from oblivion a few weeks ago got me to thinking about which specimen I'd probably part with last, if forced to sell off my collection one by one.
It turned out to be something a bit strange. No longer a brand or specific model, but not a total one-of-a-kind, either, like one of those designs Misha Revyagin is famous for.
It started out as a full-on churchwarden made by Paul Bonaquisti of upstate New York in 2004. And though a clay pattern design, definitely not dainty. A full foot long, and the bowl was easily a Dunhill Group 5 size.
Like many such pipes it didn't get smoked much for logistical/practical reasons, but became a special occasion piece.
Then I started thinking about ways to change that. Make it more accessible.
And when that barrier came down, next came thoughts about "tuning" or "personalization."
The final result?
The top 1/8" of the bowl came off, the peg got shortened, the chamber was opened/widened, a new & shorter stem was made, and the stummel was given a more contrasty finish.
Still a statement to smoke at 8.5", it's definitely clenchable. Not "driving pipe" convenient, but no problem otherwise.
And now, though Paul was never consulted about any of those modifications, the pipe feels like a team effort. And for that reason will always have a special place in my heart.
Oh, yeah... it smokes great. Always has.
.
.
It turned out to be something a bit strange. No longer a brand or specific model, but not a total one-of-a-kind, either, like one of those designs Misha Revyagin is famous for.
It started out as a full-on churchwarden made by Paul Bonaquisti of upstate New York in 2004. And though a clay pattern design, definitely not dainty. A full foot long, and the bowl was easily a Dunhill Group 5 size.
Like many such pipes it didn't get smoked much for logistical/practical reasons, but became a special occasion piece.
Then I started thinking about ways to change that. Make it more accessible.
And when that barrier came down, next came thoughts about "tuning" or "personalization."
The final result?
The top 1/8" of the bowl came off, the peg got shortened, the chamber was opened/widened, a new & shorter stem was made, and the stummel was given a more contrasty finish.
Still a statement to smoke at 8.5", it's definitely clenchable. Not "driving pipe" convenient, but no problem otherwise.
And now, though Paul was never consulted about any of those modifications, the pipe feels like a team effort. And for that reason will always have a special place in my heart.
Oh, yeah... it smokes great. Always has.
.
.
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