New Arley Curtz Billiard

[layinpipe]

What's up y'all, hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed a bowl or two of bliss. I Scored this unsmoked Arley Curtz rusticated billiard with exotic wood shank insert (not sure what type of wood though) this weekend for a great price. From the research I have been doing on the internet and on the forums, i've heard a lot of good things about him and his pipes. I don't think he has a website though, at least not one i could find. I know the Tinder Box in Salt Lake City has a few of his pipes for sale but not sure if they carry them on a consistant basis since the new owners took over a while back. He shapes from home now but i can't find a current website. Oh well, curious to try this one out and see if he lives up to the reputation others have given him.
Anyone know what type of wood the shank extension is, perhaps?

 

[zack24]

My best guess would be Leadwood- it's an exotic hardwood from Africa that is imported into the US.

 

[layinpipe]

Thanks for the comment Zack, your guess is probably better than mine being that you are a pipe maker yourself, lol. I've been googling trying pics of different woods used in shank extensions for pipes, but no dice as of yet. It's a cool looking wood, whatever it is.

 

[phil24]

Haha. YOU were the one that I was bidding with!

 

[edgreen]

I almost started bidding,too. Let us know how it smokes. You got a great deal.

 

[cortezattic]

Nice looking pipe. The inside of the bowl looks like it is stained though, maybe to

show off the grain because the pipe is rusticated. The first several smokes could be

pretty vile tasting -- even if you swab-out the bowl thoroughly with alcohol.

 

[ssjones]

I had to do a double-take, that stem logo is very similar to what Cavicchi uses. But, Google reveals that is what Arley does as well, with a few variations. I like that type of rustification, it just feels good in my hand (James Upshall Bark is quite similar). Enjoy it!

 

[layinpipe]

Phil, sorry bud, I didn't think you were gonna stop there and I didn't think I was going to get it that cheap. Ed, thanks for keeping your fingers off the mouse, the first bowl I shall lift to both of you gentlemen, lol. My bid was actually set a bit higher than that so you boys saved me some money. I got sniped about ten times before that, so it was worth it, I guess. We'll see in a couple days. I'll post my thoughts on it once I run a few bowls through it.
Cortez, I got your package today and am enjoying a flake right now in my castello. Couldn't have picked a better pipe for my virgin run with the infamous stonehaven, as the sweetness of the briar castello is famous for is making this stuff that much better. I plan on saving a flake or two to break in the curtz. Thank you again a TON, brother, I really really appreciate your kindness and generosity. I'm going to make a thread with my thoughts on it after I finish what you sent, which probably won't take long because I'm REALLY digging it. I will not forget the gesture, brother!

 

[crazypipe]

Very nice , looks like a great smoker ::

 

[peteguy]

Looks like Brazilian Tulip wood to me. Regardless thats a damn fine looking pipe. I finally got myself a Curtz (estate style). Smokes great! I need to post some pics but I don't have a host account anywhere. Laziness is a better answer but no host sounds good.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Beautiful pipe. She looks like she'll make a great clencher.

 

[papipeguy]

I never heard of him but that is one good looking piece. Many Happy Smoke Rings with it.

 

[layinpipe]

Thank you kindly for the comments, gentlemen, I hope she proves you all true. Pete, you can either post photos that are already on the site you bought it from if it was online, or you can download them to pipes magazine under your profile labeled "album". I do both and do not have a photo sharing account either. If like to see pics of your curtz for sure. Post 'em!
I'll probably just email arley if I can find his address and ask him. I'm sure if anyone can tell me it would be him.

 

[novicemaker]

It can be either leadwood mentioned earlier or tornillo which is a Brazilian hardwood.

Ill post a picture of the tornillo grain.

 

[novicemaker]

http://www.stylusandpens.com/category-s/1876.htm

Just scroll down to tornillo. Couldnt find album on my profile on here.

 

[zack24]

I'll have to retract my earlier mention of Leadwood and vote for Tornillo- looks to be closer match...