Somehow, in the past few years I was not able to make a purchase from Mike G at Briar Blues. I rectified that when I spotted this Jack Howell "Passion for Pipes" Pipe of the Year for 2011. Neill had Jack create 100 of this shape, which copies the Comoys 283. I was just getting into pipes at that point and had since regretted not grabbing one for myself. The 283 Comoys shape is one of my Holy Grail shapes and is quite similar to my Extraordinaire 498. My pipe is #39 out of 100 pieces. The full story on Neills POY can be found here:
http://www.apassionforpipes.com/neills-blog/2011/5/25/love-at-first-smoke.html
Neill (and GLP) are largely responsible for my love affair with the classic Comoys (and GBD) Rhodesian shapes. I haven't encountered an owner of a Jack Howell who wasn't extremely happy. I think Neill owns a dozen or so.
Mike was kind enough to reserve the pipe for me, solely on my word and I had to stop him from shipping it before he had received my payment. While I was touched by this gesture, I didn't want to be responsible for an "Al Jones" rule on payments and I told Mike I would be happy to wait for the payment to at least be delivered. In phone calls to Mike to confirm the purchase, I asked about the stem, which he had noted had pinprick teeth marks. Mike pulled the pipe and examined it but did not know why he added that comment. The pipe is as close to unsmoked as someone might find. While I'm incredibly happy with the pipe, I'm also pleased to start a long relationship as a a customer of Briar Blues. Thanks so much Mike! I'll get Neill to sign the pipe bag next week at the Richmond show.
Enough blabbering sentiment - the pipe: A perfect representation of a 283, including the signature Comoys contrast stain and beveled bowl top. Draw is effortless and the button/stem work impeccable. I would say it is a little better balance than my 498 Exraordinaire.
And for comparison, a Comoys 283 Blue Riband from Neills collection:
http://www.apassionforpipes.com/neills-blog/2011/5/25/love-at-first-smoke.html
Neill (and GLP) are largely responsible for my love affair with the classic Comoys (and GBD) Rhodesian shapes. I haven't encountered an owner of a Jack Howell who wasn't extremely happy. I think Neill owns a dozen or so.
Mike was kind enough to reserve the pipe for me, solely on my word and I had to stop him from shipping it before he had received my payment. While I was touched by this gesture, I didn't want to be responsible for an "Al Jones" rule on payments and I told Mike I would be happy to wait for the payment to at least be delivered. In phone calls to Mike to confirm the purchase, I asked about the stem, which he had noted had pinprick teeth marks. Mike pulled the pipe and examined it but did not know why he added that comment. The pipe is as close to unsmoked as someone might find. While I'm incredibly happy with the pipe, I'm also pleased to start a long relationship as a a customer of Briar Blues. Thanks so much Mike! I'll get Neill to sign the pipe bag next week at the Richmond show.
Enough blabbering sentiment - the pipe: A perfect representation of a 283, including the signature Comoys contrast stain and beveled bowl top. Draw is effortless and the button/stem work impeccable. I would say it is a little better balance than my 498 Exraordinaire.
And for comparison, a Comoys 283 Blue Riband from Neills collection:
