Burak Connoisseur—Shape ID?

[bowrocker]

Title edited for caps and brevity.

I bought this from Ed some time in the early 90s. His shapes were always fanciful, sometimes he went too far, but I've always thought it was a good balance. But for the life of me I can't remember what he told me he called it. Maybe it's a freehand?

 

[gamzultovah]

That’s a beauty! I have seen that shape before (kind of looks like an Alpha Citation) but never for sale. The closest I have to it is this Connoisseur:

 

[gamzultovah]

Is it stamped E Burak NYC?

 

[ofafeather]

Wow! Gorgeous! To me it looks like one of several versions of saxophone that he made. That one is fantastic!

 

[bowrocker]

@gamzultovah I remember seeing one like yours once in his shop, kind of an elongated egg. Love that!

And this one is a bit odd, it is stamped on the stem: EBurak on one side, CONNOISSUEUR on the other. I never saw another stamped that way.

 

[bowrocker]

Wow! Gorgeous! To me it looks like one of several versions of saxophone that he made. That one is fantastic!

Thank you! Saxophone eh? I'll have to drink some more memory medicine and see if something comes of that.

 

[gamzultovah]

@gamzultovah I remember seeing one like yours once in his shop, kind of an elongated egg. Love that!

And this one is a bit odd, it is stamped on the stem: EBurak on one side, CONNOISSUEUR on the other. I never saw another stamped that way.

I have never seen Mr. Burak stamp his nomenclature on the stem before. You have a very unique pipe.

 

[bowrocker]

Even though I can't remember the shape, I do remember him pointing out the stamping was unusual since there was not room on the stummel.

 

[mso489]

It's one of a kind, so I'd categorize it as a freehand, but it is totally unique. Since there aren't any others like it, it probably doesn't need a shape name. It's beautifully done. I don't know if it would easily smoke to the bottom of the chamber, but that's beside the point. It's a masterpiece of design.

 

[pipesandscotch]

I purchased a few pipes from him in the 80's I had one very similar to yours, and I believe it was the saxophone. Wish I still had it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Super stack?

Both Buraks are fine pieces.

 

[FurCoat]

That is really beautiful.

 

[bowrocker]

It's one of a kind, so I'd categorize it as a freehand, but it is totally unique. Since there aren't any others like it, it probably doesn't need a shape name. It's beautifully done. I don't know if it would easily smoke to the bottom of the chamber, but that's beside the point. It's a masterpiece of design.

Thank you! Despite how it looks it’s one of my better smokers, but you are right, you can’t ever get to the bottom and the chamber is small. Clenches great though.

 

[bowrocker]

I purchased a few pipes from him in the 80's I had one very similar to yours, and I believe it was the saxophone. Wish I still had it.

Interesting, and sorry about yours.

I had a couple of his that were either lost or stolen. I always thought I’d go back and replace them but alas that never came to pass.

I always enjoyed visiting his shop, seeing his new designs, trying some tobacco, chatting with Ed and his assistant Andrew, and later his wife. They don’t seem to make places like that any longer.

 

[snagstangl]

Co-brax-aphone?

 

[gamzultovah]

you can’t ever get to the bottom and the chamber is small.

I imagine it’s a great flake pipe?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I love toppers like that. Beautiful!!!
Don't let naysayers tell you that they're hard to smoke. Bone dry, I like to pack light, tamp after lighting, and just keep it clenched till it has gone out. I love the last little bit in these. They'll stove a Virginia to a super sweetness.

Enjoy!!!

 

[bowrocker]

I love toppers like that. Beautiful!!!
Don't let naysayers tell you that they're hard to smoke. Bone dry, I like to pack light, tamp after lighting, and just keep it clenched till it has gone out. I love the last little bit in these. They'll stove a Virginia to a super sweetness.

Enjoy!!!

Thank you and thanks for the tips!

And I never heard the term "toppers" -- does it refer to high topped stack shapes? Sorry, I've been away from pipe land far too long...

 

[cosmicfolklore]

does it refer to high topped stack shapes?

Ahhh, sorry. I have a Tsuge and Dan Pipe... it may just be the Tsuge trade name for them. I assumed because they were tall like a tophat, which were sometimes referred to as toppers as well.

 

[ofafeather]

I love toppers like that. Beautiful!!!
Don't let naysayers tell you that they're hard to smoke. Bone dry, I like to pack light, tamp after lighting, and just keep it clenched till it has gone out. I love the last little bit in these. They'll stove a Virginia to a super sweetness.

Enjoy!!!

Always appreciate your perspective! Sometimes it’s right on practical experience, sometimes outrageously hilarious. Either way, usually lifts my mood.