Leather Bound Pipes

[owenver]

Edited for caps and specificity. Original:
"is this some cosmetics pipe or does it serve a functional purpose"

Hello seen a pipe called a long champ stamped with 'france' on it. Anyone know why the pipe is incased in leather? Is it just for cosmetics or does it serve a functional purpose?

 

[proteus]

I'm going to say aesthetics but also it might help with grip or tactile feel like a sandblast finish might for example. Could also help with hiding flaws perhaps too. Just a guess.

 

[mikethompson]

Leather covered pipes were a big thing in the 1950s I believe. I don't think they serve a functional element to the pipe, just aesthetics.

 

[Sigmund]

It was also done to pipes with some serious fills so dont decide to rip it off if you get one.

 

[Alejo R.]

Longchamp is a French saddlery that still exists and has a presence in the United States, in the 50s and 60s they sold leather-covered pipes. They are not unusual. You have to be aware that no one covers a good briar with leather.

 

[kcghost]

It keeps the heat in the pipe inside the bowl, so you don't get your fingers burned when holding the pipe. I guess you could say it is kind of cosmetic. If you smoke way too fast this can help you but you're better off learning how to properly pack and light your pipe.

 

[Get Glass Distribution]

Hello seen a pipe called a long champ stamped with 'france' on it. Anyone know why the pipe is incased in leather? Is it just for cosmetics or does it serve a functional purpose?

Hello there! The leather casing on the Long Champ pipe is indeed functional. The leather case helps to maintain the pipe’s condition by protecting it from dust and moisture, which can affect the wood over time. It’s a nice blend of aesthetics and practicality!

 

[burleybreath]

I have one. I like it, as a beater--preferably in winter, for some reason. Smokes quite well, but the leather does cover inferior grain. The villain in the movie, Charley Varrick, smokes one in many scenes.

 

[greysmoke]

I once had a leather-covered pipe -- a straight-stemmed pot. It was sleeved in light brown leather and stamped with the "Jockey" brand. It was the most foul smoking pipe I've ever experienced. I suspect the leather is meant to conceal a below-par grade of briar, but that's just my experience.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Hello there! The leather casing on the Long Champ pipe is indeed functional. The leather case helps to maintain the pipe’s condition by protecting it from dust and moisture, which can affect the wood over time. It’s a nice blend of aesthetics and practicality!

Except Briar doesn't need "protection" from dust nor moisture.

It's an aesthetic choice, as well as a way to hide unattractive briar.

 

[Non-Mentholated Black Man]

I would have to assume that it is serving the same purpose(s) as rustication, rather than any functional purpose.

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

The aesthetic appearance of a leather wrapped pipe when the leather and pipe are in good condition is something that can look nice.

I have two different leather-clad beasts in my collection. I do not smoke them often, mostly because I worried some ABOUT keeping the leather looking nice. But, when I do smoke one, people find the leather look “interesting” and more than once others have suggested they make me look rather “British” and “tweedy” and I should be driving an MG B Roadster .

 

[warren]

Anyone know why the pipe is incased in leather? Is it just for cosmetics or does it serve a functional purpose?

Probably a bit of both. But, mostly to serve a target audience, people buy them.

 

[xrundog]

People collect those. They come with all manner of coverings. The most interesting to me is the black and white cow hide covering.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

I would have to assume that it is serving the same purpose(s) as rustication, rather than any functional purpose.

They both will add some 'function' to a smoke. Rustication increases surface area of the outside allowing for increased cooling - same reason my V-twin Harley has cooling fins. I am not sure what leather will do to the smoke and hesitate to offer another uninformed opinion.

 

[Sig]

According to Pipedia and Pipephil, the leather pipes were made during and after WW11 because briar was hard to come by when places like France and Italy were embroiled in war. Lesser pieces of briar were used and covered to hide the imperfections. Due to their popularity, some of these pipes were made well after the war.
This is according to these websites......they have both been known to be incorrect. Much of the information from both come from a handful of contributors.

 

[anotherbob]

I agree with the a bit of practical a bit of nice looking.
It would protect the pipe from drops and scratches and be easier to replace then briar. Another neat thing is insulation and grip.

 

[snagstangl]

I think the pipes were covered for the look and feel of leather. I have seen the idea that the briar was covered because it was of inferior quality, or looked bad. That is stated in the Pipedia article on Longchamp. When they started in 1948 that was the reason. Longchamp - Pipedia - https://pipedia.org/wiki/Longchamp But I don't know if that applies for all ever made. The leather pipes were sold in the PX, so many military men had them.