This year was my second time making the trip to Columbus for this big show. With one show already under my belt It was just a little easier to handle the overwhelming effect of being in the same room with thousands of beautiful pipes. I had a better idea of pipes I would be on the lookout for but just as important I was looking forward to meeting a few of the notable luminaries of the pipe world who were in attendance at this year's show. It was great to meet Russ from P & C. I can't wait for his book to come out next year. That will be a true gift to fans of fine tobacco.
Finally putting a face to a voice it was very nice to meet Brian Levine at the Brigham Pipes table. I've often heard of the rock maple insert system of the Brigham pipes and Brian graciously took the time to explain and show me how it works and his experiences with the pipes. Some day I need to get a Brigham Canadian shaped pipe. It is a Canadian company after all so it only makes sense.
I've read on the forums that many here who are Dunhill aficionados like to buy their pipes as estates and save a little versus paying full price for new ones. I have to agree. While it is nice to experience that first smoke in a virgin briar it's hard to argue with the cost effectiveness of building a working collection with pre-broke in models.
1995 4111 Cumberland Lovat
I love long shanked pipes specifically Lovats and Canadians. This one has a few years on it but looks good and I'm sure it will serve me well for years to come. I didn't spring for it right away but noticing it was still on the table after I had covered the rest of the show I decided enough is enough and it came home with me. Here's a photo of the 4111 beside my very first Dunhill, a 1111.
I suppose now I'll have to start looking for a group 2 and 3 to make a little matched set.
Right now the Canadian shape is my favorite pipe style and although this one has a little damage on the rim being a group 3 size I could not pass it up:
2001 3109 Chestnut
There is a nasty chunk out of the outside of the rim but with a little work I'm confident I can restore it to its former glory.
Saving the best for the last I was excited to finally meet Ryan Alden(Lonestar)and take a look at his pipes. The other day my son and I were watching re-runs of the Hatfield and McCoy series and I finally saw that pipe Costner was smoking and everybody in the pipe world was talking about. Didn't take long to put down my money for this Devil Anse expertly created by Ryan:
The pipe is very compact. I'd call it pocket sized for sure but the chamber is big; A size 3 or maybe even 4. I cracked open a tin of Solani Silver Flake that I bought from one of the vendors and fired it up outside. The smoke was wonderful from the get go. Always a good sign when the very first smoke in a new pipe is a good one.
The lovely Road Queen accompanied me to the show which was her first and we had a great time. She even came away with some great prizes but I'll let her share those!
Finally putting a face to a voice it was very nice to meet Brian Levine at the Brigham Pipes table. I've often heard of the rock maple insert system of the Brigham pipes and Brian graciously took the time to explain and show me how it works and his experiences with the pipes. Some day I need to get a Brigham Canadian shaped pipe. It is a Canadian company after all so it only makes sense.
I've read on the forums that many here who are Dunhill aficionados like to buy their pipes as estates and save a little versus paying full price for new ones. I have to agree. While it is nice to experience that first smoke in a virgin briar it's hard to argue with the cost effectiveness of building a working collection with pre-broke in models.
1995 4111 Cumberland Lovat
I love long shanked pipes specifically Lovats and Canadians. This one has a few years on it but looks good and I'm sure it will serve me well for years to come. I didn't spring for it right away but noticing it was still on the table after I had covered the rest of the show I decided enough is enough and it came home with me. Here's a photo of the 4111 beside my very first Dunhill, a 1111.
I suppose now I'll have to start looking for a group 2 and 3 to make a little matched set.
Right now the Canadian shape is my favorite pipe style and although this one has a little damage on the rim being a group 3 size I could not pass it up:
2001 3109 Chestnut
There is a nasty chunk out of the outside of the rim but with a little work I'm confident I can restore it to its former glory.
Saving the best for the last I was excited to finally meet Ryan Alden(Lonestar)and take a look at his pipes. The other day my son and I were watching re-runs of the Hatfield and McCoy series and I finally saw that pipe Costner was smoking and everybody in the pipe world was talking about. Didn't take long to put down my money for this Devil Anse expertly created by Ryan:
The pipe is very compact. I'd call it pocket sized for sure but the chamber is big; A size 3 or maybe even 4. I cracked open a tin of Solani Silver Flake that I bought from one of the vendors and fired it up outside. The smoke was wonderful from the get go. Always a good sign when the very first smoke in a new pipe is a good one.
The lovely Road Queen accompanied me to the show which was her first and we had a great time. She even came away with some great prizes but I'll let her share those!
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