American Smoking Pipe Company - Christmas Pipes - Advent Calender

[ssjones]

I really like that last Rhodesian.

 

[pruss]

I really like that last Rhodesian.

I had a feeling that one was going to land squarely (or roundly as the case may be) in your wheelhouse, Al.
-- Pat

 

[tinpan]

I remember discussing pipes with Mark when I was buying his free hands. I pointed to one of his bulldogs and told him I just didn't get that shape. To me a freehand with the natural plateaux top was what pipes were all about. Course in those days they were a little hard to come by. Mark sat down and showed me how difficult they were to make as well as rhodesians, particularity getting the lines around the bowl cut straight. I seem to be rather fond of them now.
If you like rhodesians you should look at last year's Christmas pipe, it's a bent rhodesian and it has the most aggressive looking stance, very cool. I bought a natural for my collection and when I went to order the sandblast to get my rough travel pipe, he talked me into staining it tan blast. It has a beautiful ring grain that Michael Linder did for Mark....it's too fricken nice so now I'll have to order another one for everyday smoking.

 

[tinpan]

2001 - The Graceful Dublin
A classic dublin shape with a diamond shank and very graceful lines. This is really the first year that we would start seeing smaller Christmas pipes show up. It's still a group 5 in size but really doesn't look or feel that big. This pipe is rated 2 Stars and has the Sunrise finish.
Production Estimate - 80 to 90 Pipes

Prices $110 to $410

 

[ssjones]

That bowl shape has a bit of Charatan influence, I love the bead line.

 

[tinpan]

2002 - The Cherrywood
This year's pipe is a classic cherrywood. It really shows off the straight grain on the sides of the bowl and the birdseye on the top and bottom. This one is rated 3 Stars and has the Cabernet finish.
Production Estimate - 80 to 90 Pipes

Prices $110 to $410

 

[ssjones]

3 Stars on that Cherrywood, I'll say!

 

[sablebrush52]

I love this thread. As one who enjoys both pipes and the stories of their makers, I find this thread is totally satisfying. Thank you tinpan!

 

[cmdrmcbragg]

Very awesome and informational thread.

 

[tinpan]

2003 - The Author
This pipe is a nice classic shape with great lines. It's a little smaller than Mark normally makes but the short stubby shank really flows well into the round bowl. This pipe is rated 2 Stars and has the Sunrise finish.
Production Estimate - 80 to 90 Pipes

Prices $125 to $435

 

[ssjones]

Now you've done it - my favorite shape!

 

[tinpan]

10 days till Christmas, everyone ready?

 

[tinpan]

2004 - The Bent Dublin
This year's pipe is a bent dublin with a custom stem that is long and very flat with a hint of a fishtail. Mark had this stem made in Italy and imported for this pipe.

This pipe is rated 2 Star and features the Sunrise Finish
Production Estimate - 80 to 90 Pipes

Prices $125 to $435

 

[ssjones]

I'm ready for that final count down!
I should also comment, the photography of the pipes is outstanding. (I don't think anyone has to this point). Is that your work or Mark's?

 

[tinpan]

Ahh, the photography, it is mine, all Mark had to do was carve the pipes :laughat: . I had no idea how difficult it would be photographing pipes. I thought it would be nice to take a picture of each pipe and add a little info about each one so other folks would know what to look for if they wanted to collect them. It's a wonderful series of pipes and I think it truly showcases the work of one of the great American pipe carvers.
I've been really challenged in taking the photographs because It's involved trying to get the correct lighting on each pipe without displaying those nasty glare marks and trying to calibrate the exposure and color settings so they print out correctly. What one sees on the screen isn't necessarily what prints out. I still have a ways to go but, I'm getting there

 

[planetary]

I have one of those 2003's! I smoked it for the first time just a couple weeks ago, in fact. Beautiful.

 

[ssjones]

I know how hard and frustrating it is to photograph a pipe and my pix are not in that league by a long shot. Great work!

 

[dmcmtk]

tinpan, check out the recent additions at the Show Your Tinsky Pipes thread.
Dave

 

[tinpan]

I have one of those 2003's! I smoked it for the first time just a couple weeks ago, in fact. Beautiful.

Very cool, would love to see it
I'll be back over to the Tinsky thread too.

 

[tinpan]

2005 - The Curved Billiard
The flat panels on the shank accentuates the curve of the billiard bowl. While the slightly curved shank adds to the gracefulness and balance of this 1/4 bent pipe. This pipe is rated 1 star and has the Cabernet finish.
Production Estimate - 80 to 90 Pipes

Prices $135 to $485