Improving a "French Briar"

[Hillcrest]

I actually haven't smoked out of it, yet! Maybe I will today. I'll report back!

Curious ... what does the writing on the side of the pipe say ?

Excellent work updating a $5.00 pipe (!!!) to what you want it to be for you and getting enjoyment and education in the process !

Its worth more then $5.00 now !!!

 

[SBC]

I wasn’t going to post, but, after seeing @UB 40 ’s post, I thought why not offer a slightly different perspective?

As it’s your pipe, I’m glad you made it into a fun project and are happy.

As an archivist and collector, it pained me to see the transformation—I thought the original state was already beautiful in its simplicity, and more interesting and unique in its unadulterated condition, but, I lean towards preservation with my various collections.

Is the tenon bone or wood? I wonder if the pipe is older than you think.

IronMonkey,

I've admired what you've let us know about your archiving and collecting endeavors, not just in pipes but in other arenas as well. It's impressive, and I appreciate that there are folks like you who do this.

I can imagine how you must wince at something like this! It must grate on an archivist's soul ;-) I have possible points of connection with you, on that (in other regards) -- so, I may have a notion of the sort of groan you're feeling. I'm sorry to have induced it!

I (possibly mistakenly?) didn't see this pipe as particularly worth preserving. It was $5 at an antique shop, and seemed like a fine personal smoker. As it was probably meant to be "finished" by an American tobacconist as a "house pipe," I thought that I'd just finish it to my preferences. But yes, I grant that my approach was utilitarian for personal use.

The screw tenon was metal and showed some oxidation. I wouldn't have messed with it, had it been bone!

I appreciate your perspective,
Scott

 

[SBC]

Curious ... what does the writing on the side of the pipe say ?

Excellent work updating a $5.00 pipe (!!!) to what you want it to be for you and getting enjoyment and education in the process !

Its worth more then $5.00 now !!!

It is stamped simply, "French Briar."

 

[UB 40]

An old GBR (Genuine French Briar) Catalog I stole from reborn pipes website there was a pipe that reminded me a lot of yours. The Text also describes yellow amber imitation stem as well, and I think the shape might fit.



Here is the original post Genuine French Briar pipes – rebornpipes - https://rebornpipes.com/tag/genuine-french-briar-pipes/

 

[SBC]

An old GBR (Genuine French Briar) Catalog I stole from reborn pipes website there was a pipe that reminded me a lot of yours. The Text also describes yellow amber imitation stem as well, and I think the shape might fit.

View attachment 178619

Here is the original post Genuine French Briar pipes – rebornpipes - https://rebornpipes.com/tag/genuine-french-briar-pipes/

That might be it!
I'm really partial to these taller and narrower bulldogs which came out of Saint Claude in the first half of the 20th century.
The squattier bulldog, common now, is fine as well; but, I take a special liking to this earlier French vintage.

 

[SBC]

How does it smoke ? Have you tried it yet ? What tobacco will/did you choose ? Enquiring minds want to know !

I just enjoyed a bowl of Newminster 400 in it. Smokes just fine, although I will say that the bowl heats up more quickly than some of my other bowls do. I'll have to watch for that.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I just enjoyed a bowl of Newminster 400 in it. Smokes just fine, although I will say that the bowl heats up more quickly than some of my other bowls do. I'll have to watch for that.

That’s because the bowl is too dark! I like it, btw.