Barling pre-Transition TVF EXEXEL from Two Friends

[gwtwdbss]

I have been wanting a pre-Transition Barling for a while now after hearing some of the folks that have been in the business for several years referring to them as their favorite smoking pipe do to the old growth Algerian briar they used when the family owned the company. I do like a rusticated/blast look however, and was concerned the Barling's EXEXEL size would be too large for me but I asked Bobby send me a couple of extra pics holding the pipe so I could get a better idea of the size just to be sure. Well, once I saw the pics and found out it has a 13/16 ID bowl, I knew it was the Barling for me. I am a clencher but even though this is a large pipe it is nice and light at 46 grams.
Quote from the Barling Pipedia page to help fuel the PAD -
"Excellent pipes were made in all periods. But the fine old growth Algerian briar that was used by the family during the Pre-Transition offer a smoking experience that is not duplicated during the later periods. Moreover, it is not duplicated by any other maker. Legends cannot be copied. Legends are unique."
I am really looking forward to smoking this one! :D

 

[pstlpkr]

Very nice. :clap:

It looks like it IS very long.

Looks like an excellent smoker.

::

 

[ssjones]

Wow, what a wonderful piece of briar! You chose well. What a stout billiard. Older Barlings are reported to be magic pipes, so I'll look forward to hearing your smoking report. What tobacco blend gets the honor?

 

[shawn]

Wonderful.

 

[gwtwdbss]

Thanks guys! I think I will christen her with a tin of 2007 F&T Cut Virginia Plug.

 

[papipeguy]

Nice piece. It should offer a cool smoke. Good luck with it.

 

[aristokles]

Gorgeous pipe. This makes me want to load up my pre-trans EXEXEL Saddle Pot right now, but I try to use it sparingly due to excessive bit wear. I am too close to biting through the mouthpiece. Great smoker though - dense briar.
I found the same briar quality/density in old BBBs, too (and don't hesitate to smoke them).

 

[flmason]

Congratulations on your new pipe. An excellent gift to end this year as well as start off the following year.

 

[cigrmaster]

What a great looking pipe. I have heard about the smoking properties of these old Barlings, and that they are special. Can't wait to hear your report Chris. Great acquisition buddy, way to go.

 

[fnord]

I'm doing my best looking at this pipe and not give in to the green eyed monster, man.
That's a beautiful hunk of wood and I sincerely sincerely hope it smokes as good as it looks.

 

[docwatson]

You will not be disappointed. Congrats on a fine acquisition from a very reputable dealer.

 

[gwtwdbss]

Well I received my Barling yesterday. Bobby Included a nice leather sock which was pretty neat. I packed a bowl of 2007 F&T Cut VA Plug and was amazed. This was the first time I smoked Cut VA Plug and it was excellent. Since I had never smoked the blend before I had to try it with a little December St. James Flake this morning to see how much of it was the pipe or the tobacco. To my continued amazement, it was the creamiest VAPer smoke I have ever had. I didn't taste the briar but the already smooth SJF was a bit smoother and at the same time it tasted richer than normal. This mornings bowl lasted in total about an hour and a half. I had to take a break 3 or 4 times to refill my coffee mug and warm my bones as I am an outdoor smoker but with every relight the pipe seemed to provide a fuller and more satisfying smoke.
This Barling has no model number like the later pre-transition pieces so this leads me to believe that it was crafted in 40's or early 50's. I know that more stamping occurred closer to the transition. This one just has left side - "Barlings(curved over the word Make), Make, Ye Old Wood, right side - EXEXEL, Made In England.(with the period) T.V.F." all in block lettering on top of the oval shank. If any Barling experts could help me shed light one the decade this pipe was made it would be appreciated.
As far as size, the bowl is similar to my Castello KKK White stem Sea Rock(as seen on the forums) so it was not as huge as it looks in the pictures. This EXEXEL is just about the right size and the balance is perfect. the 46g weight and saddle bit make it a great clencher. This one is definitely a keeper.