I am in Chicago. I stopped at the iconic Iwan Ries. A Barling pipe in the showcase caught my eye & when I got home & opened it, could not believe the boxing materials. Who does it better?.
That is very nice presentation and I think appropriate for the prices they go for. I used to love all the ephemera that came with pipes but now I find it a fun bonus but wouldn't be bothered if they just sold the pipe wrapped in bubble wrap with a generic box.
I have had my eye on these new Barlings. I understand there is no connection to the original except the name, but they do look like nice pipes. Those that have picked one up, do you like yours? Are they made as well as a higher end Savinelli or Pete for example?
Their meerschaum pieces are from Turkiye, obviously.
As for their (Barling) briars, Kopp is very coy about the source.
As they are with their other brands