1962 Barling's Make Sandblast Bulldog

[ssjones]

The Barling's I posted in another thread was delivered earlier this week, and I finished the restoration. The briar and bowl are in excellent shape, and the pipe only weighs 30 grams. Thanks to Jesse for dating the pipe and his comments. The stem had some issues and there wasn't much of the logo to save. Below is the full Reborn Pipes restoration article:
https://rebornpipes.com/2017/01/26/1962-barlings-sandlast-bulldog-restoration/
I still don't understand the number sequence and it's meaning (to a shape chart, etc.)

The pipe is only 30 grams. I'm looking forward to giving this one a test whirl this weekend.
Before:

After:

 

[gloucesterman]

Nicely done. You've been busy lately. Dutch

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

Congrats, it's a nice one. Those Barling stamps drive me nuts though, almost as shallow as the Kiko ones.

 

[sablebrush52]

I still don't understand the number sequence and it's meaning (to a shape chart, etc.)

The first number indicates the chamber size. When the new 4 digit numbering system was set up, the first number replaced the old SS thru EXEXEL size stamps. The new number range went from 2 for the smallest size to 6 for the largest for the standard size range. Occasionally you will see a higher number for an oversized pipe.
The "4" on this pipe indicates that it is equal to the old "EL" stamp, or about a group 4.
The second and third numbers indicate the the bowl shape. In this instance, 73 indicates a Rhodesian shape.
The fourth number indicates the bit shape and length. In this instance, "5" indicates a tapered bit that is between 2 3/4" and 3 1/4" in length.
So 4735 would tell you that the pipe is similar to a Group 4 Rhodesian with a tapered stem that measures between 2 3/4" and 3 1/4" in length.
Clear now?

 

[ssjones]

Crystal Jesse! I'll update the Reborn article.
I'm smoking it now, with the morning paper and coffee, so far, its very nice.

 

[pagan]

Nice pipe, I bet she would pair well with a mild English blend

 

[buroak]

Nice find and work! I watched that auction. It's nice to know the pipe landed in a good home.

 

[ssjones]

I didn't like the way that stem patch looked, so I redid it this morning.

 

[jerwynn]

Absolutely lovely!! My compliments! :clap:

 

[londonmake]

Great looking Barling, Al.
So, is this considered a 'transition era' because it is a 4-digit stamping? or Early transition?
3-digit being a family-era I believe.

Sorry to add to the confusion here, but there is a lot of mystery with Barlings!

 

[dmcmtk]

So, is this considered a 'transition era' because it is a 4-digit stamping? or Early transition?

Transition because of the small arched Barling's Make mark, and the four digit code used during the specific period in early 1962.

3-digit being a family-era I believe.

Yes, in the US market, but four digit codes were used in the UK market, always beginning with 1. A good summary (but not necessarily complete) of the shape codes used before 1962 can be seen here,
http://yeoldebriars.com/grade_barling.html
The rest of the story can be read here,
https://pipedia.org/wiki/Barling

 

[ssjones]

Thanks Mike, I always have to look thus up. This '62 send to be snack dab in the middle of the change, but still family. It is a great smoking little bulldog.
Jesse summarises in Pipedia as:

The so-called “Transition” era pipes can’t really be clearly defined. The only exception are the pipes made for a short period in 1962, a “Barling’s Make” pipe whose four digit model number begins with a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Also, some of these 1962 Barlings have both types of model numbers stamped on them. The earlier pipes look like Pre-Transition, the later pipes look like Post-Transition. The Transition as a useful term for defining pipes, just doesn’t work.
So I’m dropping those inaccurate definitions and using something simpler and more accurate: Family Era and Corporate Era.

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Al, a gorgeous pipe. Great work.

 

[disinformatique]

Beautiful pipe !!