Dromedary Pipes

[Chasing Embers]

Other than my Big Ben, and a few estate Hilsons, I never see the dromedary shape. Anyone have any idea where this shape came from and its purpose? That hump makes a nifty finger rest, but is that all it's for?

 

[mcitinner1]

First one I've seen, very interesting. Unless you have small hands, that's a Bradley size pipe. (that means large) Any idea what it weighs? 8)

 

[Chasing Embers]

Lol, yup I like the big pipes. Not sure about the weight, but it does have a 3/4"x2" deep chamber.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Here's two I picked up about 7 months ago on ebay. They were in pretty rough shape, but cleaned up nicely. Not a great pipe for clenching, but very comfortable to hold. I guess the hump is just to give you something to wrap your finger or thumb around. I sold the large one as it was too heavy for me or my wife, but I still smoke the smaller one on a fairly regular basis. All in all nice pipes, and mine were made in Holland rather than Belgium.

Hope you enjoy smoking it! ::

 

[Chasing Embers]

After removing the high gloss varnish, it has become one of my regulars, but is quite comfortable to clench.

 

[shaintiques]

Learn something new everyday. I have never heard of or seen this shape. Very interesting.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I've seen a few of those online. Some, like yours and Orley's are quite nice looking

 

[Chasing Embers]

Came across mine in my local B&M over a year ago. Had been there for sometime, as the entire stem was badly oxidized. Got it for a song and a dance, and just could not pass on that shape! Sad thing is, I can't find any info on the shape's origin, or if anyone is still making the shape. Maybe someone made a bactrian pipe as well! (two humped camel)

 

[mso489]

I hadn't seen them. From the discussion so far, it sounds like they are a Dutch or Belgium specialty.

 

[buster]

Might have to hold one to be sure but the shape looks cool!

 

[pitchfork]

I have a copy of the 1978 Iwan Ries catalog, which describes these as an "interesting, new line...from Gubbels of Holland."

Again, this was 1978, so "new" and "interesting" are relative. For instance, their "No. 1 innovation for 78" was their "new, exciting Phone Bank"!

 

[Chasing Embers]

@pitchfork Wow! That sheds some light! Gubbels makes the Big Ben line, and the one marked "H20" is my pipe. Makes me wander just how old the pipe is now. Bought it new, but the stem was green from sitting so long. Thank you for the info!

 

[echie]

Wow, these look great! I particularly like the shape of Orley's ones. I'll keep an eye out for them, hopefully living in the Netherlands I'll come across one