BBB Pipe Shapes

[klause]

I need to buy more to compare.

That made me laugh out loud, Owen. Still sniggering now, just thinking about it.
I applaud your resilience and sacrifice in the name of research. You've motivated me to redouble my efforts!! Obviously, as a result, my wife will not hold you in the esteem I do..........

 

[buckaroo]

Added a 1919 Own Make some weeks ago and I forgot about my slightly newer trusty Thornycroft 428 that hangs just right.

 

[pitchfork]

buckaroo, I love the 1919 Own Make. Perfect bent pipe in my opinion.

 

[buckaroo]

Thx.

 

[ssjones]

I agree a perfect bent. What is the weight? (guessing approx 30 grams?)

 

[buckaroo]

Heavier than I expected and apparently you as well as it's 48 g/ 1.70 oz believe it or not. Not a terribly huge pipe (as you can imagine by the production year, etc.) at 5" diagonal, so a bit surprising.
I'm looking forward finally lighting it up soon and it sounds like you guys are also smoking your very old briars and not just displaying them which I think is fantastic. Thanks.
btw, I have not worked on the stem. Don't see any oxidation and it's in quite remarkable condition. Does feel a bit like acrylic.

 

[pitchfork]

btw - I have not worked on the stem. Don't see any oxidation and it's in quite remarkable condition. Does feel a bit like acrylic.

It's hard to tell from the pic, but from the look of the button, I'm guessing it's a Glokar stem (like the P-lip, but rectangular, not round). No? I have a Glokar stem bulldog and there is 0 oxidation and it does indeed feel a bit like acrylic. I'm not sure anyone knows what these are made of, but I'm pretty sure it's not vulcanite.

 

[buckaroo]

Correct, pitchfork. It's just like the 1907 Billiard I first posted in this thread. I thought I just got lucky with the stem on that one as it is also in great shape, but after reading your insightful comments above I wonder too what the material is. Very high quality vulcanite unlike anything we see today even in high grades?! mmmmmmm. What else could it be? It's not bakelite. It is safe to smoke, right?! Haha. Where's Steve from Reborn when you need him?

 

[klause]

Buckaroo, that is just gorgeous!!!!! Congrats on the acquisition.

 

[klause]

Buckaroo, that is just gorgeous!!!!! Congrats on the acquisition.

 

[klause]

Owen, pics as promised. The plug is for scale - as you probably know, that plug is only 25 gms, and hence is very small. The pipe, as you can see, is very small indeed.

Sorry for poor pics.

 

[owen]

Klaus, thanks for that. I stand by my previous comments on the shape, it has a really nice form. The top view of the stem is something to its almost as wide as the chamber. A great design all round.

Owen

 

[owen]

Looking back over this thread its clear these early BBB pipes have outstanding forms.

 

[owen]

My 1893 pipe

 

[klause]

Oh! B'Jeebus!!!!!!
That is absolutely beautiful. I'm completely envious, Owen. Amazing condition, and gorgeous shape.
Yes, Owen, you are right, those early BBBs have outstanding forms - I'm staggered by the aesthetic - smoking qualities are non-to-shabby, either.
Great thread, this

 

[pitchfork]

klause, I love the little bent apple/billiard. I mostly smoke strong plugs, flakes and burleys, so that size is just about right. What year is it marked?

 

[klause]

Pitchfork, it's stamped for 1909.
I haven't smoked it yet, but think it's definitely a plug pipe - it is the perfect size, and shape - sits in the hand beautifully, and is ultra light. I'll let ha know how it goes

 

[pitchfork]

Looking forward to that report, klause. Great pipe. Never seen one like it.

 

[buroak]

You fellas have some beautiful old BBBs. I am still hunting for an early 20th century hallmarked BBB. My oldest are a cased pair of Ultima Thule pipes.

 

[klause]

Owen, sorry for the long delay, - but, here is the pipe I had hidden away in a safe place:

The Billiard is fairly standard (still have to polish the stem), and is there to give an idea of the size of the other.