A Universe Of Pipes

[sablebrush52]

As some of you know, I have a keen passion for Barling pipes, and an equally keen passion for the history of fine English makes. During the Holidays I had the pleasure of examining an extraordinary collection of vintage pipes. There were BBB pipes with intricate Barling sterling fitments from the 1880's, as crisp as the day they were engraved, wondrous library pipes in a state of perfect preservation, mint and unsmoked Barling sets, Charatan underbores and astonishing museum pieces. I thought of the pleasure that Kashmir would have had in examining an absolutely mint cased seven day set of Comoy Specimen Straight Grains.

And it occurred to me that passion is an integral part of this forum, the passion that some members have for carving their own beautiful pipes, the passion that others have for restoring and rejuvenating estate pipes, the passion for finding that perfect match between a pipe and a blend of tobacco, and the passion for a peak smoking experience.

So thank you all for sharing you passions here. It makes this forum a wonderful place to spend time.

 

[pruss]

So thank you all for sharing you passions here. It makes this forum a wonderful place to spend time.

Well said, Sablebrush. This place does tend to infect/inject with passion, and I swear that I always leave here just a little wiser than I arrive. Thanks for sharing your sentiment here with us.
-- Pat

 

[voorhees]

When someone here has a passion for a particular pipe brand, I tend to investigate that brand myself to see just what the hubbub is.

 

[yazamitaz]

Jason,
I totally agree. Pipes I didn't even know existed or shapes I never would have considered become a "craving" and I have to find as many pics or stories (and prices) as I can
Dan

 

[rockymtnsmoker]

Sounds like an amazing experience Sable. How did you happen to view the collection? Was it an estate sale, an invite from the collector... ? Makes me think how great it would be to visit a pipe museum that had a historical overview.

 

[sablebrush52]

Hi Rocky,
It was an amazing experience. I was invited by the collector as we had been introduced through a mutual acquaintance, and I was discussing purchasing a Barling set from him. While I studied the set, and swapped info about various vintage British makers, he began to quietly bring out pieces that he thought would interest me. One stunning piece after another appeared before me. It was like viewing the Louvre of pipe collections, patiently assembled over decades. Considering the fine quality of his carved meerschaums, the comparison isn't entirely exaggerated.
I was like a kid in a candy store and we were both grinning. Wonderful fun.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

That sounds like a fantastic experience. You are very fortunate.

 

[sablebrush52]

Hi Peck,
Yes. I was very fortunate, particularly as he's considering selling some of his collection. The likelihood of another like collection being assembled on the same level is remote. I learned a lot, some of which I'll add to the Barling page at a future date. And, I left with a modest addition to my own motley collection.

 

[flmason]

Sable:
Thanks for sharing your experience. Hopefully if the gentleman decides to sell some pipes at a later date, he can allow you first option to buy them. It is special when an item can go to a new owner that truly appreciates the history of the brand and cares for it properly.
On a side note, I received my copy of the Barling catalogue that I bought and I look forward to reading it and learning about the brand. Thanks for taking the time to prepare the catalogue and thanks for the opportunity to own a copy.

 

[sablebrush52]

Hi fl,
We'll see what happens. Most of those pieces are far beyond my modest means. It was a treat to be allowed to handle these bits of history and to study and learn through firsthand examination. I'm happy to have bought the set that I bought. It represents a significant outlay for me, but when, oh when, will I get another chance? Also, the set appears on page 23 of the Barling catalog that you purchased from me. It's model 205. Kinda neat to have something from that catalog in new condition.
Let me know what you think of the catalog.

 

[fnord]

Sable:
Your original post was so incredibly well written it almost took my breath away.
I look over at my modest collection of burners and, while some brands and their seconds are better represented than others, I can certainly appreciate your feelings while handling the museum quality pieces you experienced.
Like Pat and Jason wrote, this passion of ours just makes me want to learn more.
Thank you for sharing this.
Fnord

 

[sablebrush52]

Hi fnord,
It's all good. Thank you for your kind words. Everyone here has contributed to my enjoyment of this hobby. I see so much variety in the posts and am more than occasionally awed by those posts. A few months ago a number of members here posted images of pipes that they had carved and those pipes were stunning in their beauty and invention!

While I have developed a little knowledge concerning some makes, I'm fairly limited regarding my knowledge of tobaccos. Through the discussions revolving around different blends I've been able to happily expand my horizons in that area. I appreciate the welcoming kindness that members here offer to new pipe smokers, and occasionally pick up new and useful information as well. It really is all good.