French Made Algerian Briar Info

[Speak Easy]

So I’ve got this Normandy pipe that I use to smoke several different aromatics out of. Pipe smokes great and I enjoy it from time to time. When I do, I always try and search the interwebs to find more info on the mfg and mfg date but never find a thing. Was hopeful that one of you knowledgeable forum members may be able to lend a hand! I’ve attached pictures of all the identifying marks on the pipe.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Algerian Briar

Uh oh...

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Uh oh...

View attachment 315908

 

[Sobrbiker]

View attachment 315940

Now that’s f’in funny!!

 

[sablebrush52]

The only thing I can tell you about it is that it was made for the US market.

 

[dingdong]

Apparently its a real brand, few on sales on ebay and such. not St Claude.

 

[Sigmund]

They were made in St Claude.

Here is a description of an estate pipe on sale and a little about the company:

This La Normandy G2-03 is a classic shaped curved pipe with a shiny red finish . Its rounded hearth offers a pleasant grip. Curved and balanced, it is also comfortable to bite. This traditional Saint-Claude pipe is equipped with a handmade black acrylic stem .
The veining of this briar pipe makes it unique. Therefore, the copy taken in the photo is exactly the one you will receive. Made in the 90s, in our historic workshops in Saint-Claude, this La Normandy G2-03 will be delivered to you accompanied by a fabric case in a pretty “Saint-Claude” box.

DID YOU KNOW ?​

The La Normandy brand was created by the Cuty Fort company, born from the grouping of 4 Sanclaudian master pipemakers (Jeantet, Jean Lacroix, Vuillard and Chapuis-Comoy & Cie) in 1988. This brand, dedicated to the United States market, is a reference at the landing of the Allies in June 1944. The La Normandy models designed by the Sanclaudian craftsman and Master Pipemaker Pierre Morel, then an employee of Chapuis-Comoy & Cie, take the popular shapes and finishes of the early 20th century.

 

[Speak Easy]

Thank you so much! @Sigmund That is exactly what I was looking for but unable to find!

 

[Sigmund]

Your welcome.

St Claude was so prolific in the day. People who visited frequently bought pipes that didnt even smoke them....just as a tourist item. To this day on ebay france you see pipes that really dont look like they were made to smoke (some pretty poor workmanship just at a glance). Of course there were plenty of good pipes too.

The only issue with older french pipes is that they were very liberal with fills. I suppose most pipe makers were. In those days the majority of pipes were smoking tools..not items made for people collecting.

 

[Speak Easy]

Your welcome.

St Claude was so prolific in the day. People who visited frequently bought pipes that didnt even smoke them....just as a tourist item. To this day on ebay france you see pipes that really dont look like they were made to smoke (some pretty poor workmanship just at a glance). Of course there were plenty of good pipes too.

The only issue with older french pipes is that they were very liberal with fills. I suppose most pipe makers were. In those days the majority of pipes were smoking tools..not items made for people collecting.

I thoroughly enjoy my French pipes. Most are my everyday pipes for all my “adventures”. They all smoke fairly well and are workhorses. They carry the load for the majority of my adventures. Thanks again for the info. I think I may try and add a couple more to the collection. Have a great one, sir!