It may be a "drugstore" pipe,but she's a keeper...

[rangerearthpig]

Picked up an LHS "Certified Purex" #88 Bulldog for #20 today. I'm breaking her in with some Squadron Leader, and I must say....even though she might be considered a "cheapie," she is an excellent smoker....cool, nice draw, and like all bulldogs, a great gripper. I'm glad she found a new home!

 

[voorhees]

It's a beauty. And LHS pipes were slightly above "drugstore" pipes. If you ever tire of it, let me know. I have a LHS "Bavarian" (Cavalier)it would look good next to.

 

[bubblehead33]

Nothing wrong with that pipe ranger! Me personally, I love the bulldogs.

 

[petes03]

Good looking bulldog! Congrats!

 

[papipeguy]

That Diamond was considered their top on the line. Very nice bulldog. Enjoy it.

 

[mso489]

We need a better name for pipes that are made on a production line. Not all drugstore pipes are sold in drugstores,

and those that were are often excellent smoking machines. Many pipes made by carvers are produced partly by

machines, so machine pipes isn't the right term. There are distinct advantages to the production line pipes (not

a great term either, by the way). The specifications can be perfected, and quality control is relatively easy. There

are a lot of pairs of eyes and hands contributing to the process and controlling the outcome. Despite many feelings

to the contrary, Kaywoodie, Dr. Grabow, Yello-Bole, Medico and similar outfits still produce some worthy pipes. I own

a number of hand carved pipes and quite a few quality pipe shop pipes, but some of of my good ones are working man's

pipes, not expensive but anything but cheap.

 

[dread]

That's a great looking pipe. I love bulldog pipes.

 

[agnosticpipe]

I really don't know much about that brand, but I do like the looks, and have found that some of these old non- high grade pipes smoke really well and have great briar too!

Hey, I'm all about the low grade pipe adventure! Congrats on a really cool old pipe!

 

[rangerearthpig]

From what I can gather, LHS was the largest supplier to WWII soldiers. Wish I knew more about the specific history of this particular pipe.

 

[papipeguy]

You are correct, ranger. The L&H Stern co. was in business from 1896 through the early 1960's. Their pipes were sold through PX's to the armed services.

 

[fnord]

Ranger:
LHS was one of the better production pipe lines in the U.S. You found a great looking chunk of vintage briar from one of our venerable pipe companies, sadly long gone. It might've been sold in a drugstore but the buyer certainly paid more than the Sparta manufactured Willard.
Speaking of PX's, John, Willard burners were the number one pipe sold in base exchanges during our involvement in French Indochina. I've met several Vietnam vets who've shown me their putty spackled Willards still tucked away as treasured keepsakes. Several admitted their pipes never burned tobacco and I would just nod my head.
Ranger, one of these days treat yourself to a Weber or Ehrlich burner - two more great lines I put up there right alongside your new LHS. They're also production pipes that were made with extra care and can be bought for a song on the Bay. Also, every now and again, you can find a Diebel Benchmade from Kansas City that will have a razor blade mouthpiece and will end up knocking a favorite burner out of your weekly rotation.
Great pick, pal.
Fnord

 

[tuold]

LHS Purex and Superfine is one of my saved searches on ebay! I have three of them now and they all get their turn in the rotation. I would have been excited to have won one like yours.

 

[antbauers]

I have a little LHS Purex also, nice smoker. Didn't know they were considered to be equal to drug store pipe or just above. You would never know by smoking them. I don't know if I have a 'special' one but it's a good quality pipe. Smokes great, it has one of those stingers that can't be removed from the tenon. I could cut it off but it smokes well with it and the draw is good.

 

[numbersix]

Congrats - that's a fine looking pipe. I was fortunate enough to snag an unsmoked late '60s Grabow (another drug store pipe) seen here:

This pipe smokes incredibly well, believe it or not, as well as my pipes in the $200 range. The briar is exceptional. The pipe itself isn't tops in construction - but it's still a great smoker.

 

[rangerearthpig]

Thanks for all the comments and information.
Six, that's a nice little Grabow!

 

[numbersix]

Six, that's a nice little Grabow!

Thanks rangerearthpig - there's a lot to be said for drug store pipes. ::

 

[plateauguy]

I don't care how much a pipe cost, or it's pedigree. I like the looks of your bulldog and hope you smoke it in good health for many years to come. Enjoy!

 

[dottiewarden]

I'm on the lookout for a Bulldog myself, straight or half-bent. I would've snapped that up in a hurry.
Really nice pipe, and it seems you got a lot more than you bargained for.
Super Congrats!

 

[gregprince]

Good find. I certainly enjoy my bulldogs, they feel comfortable in the hand as well. Happy smoking.

 

[docrx]

Enjoy it and sweet smokes to you.