Pipe of The Year

[jameshsi]

Hi, I try search in Google and the forum here, trying to know more about "Pipe Of The Year" for some pipes, but I am not lucky to find most of them in many past years, for example, a few days I bought a Stanwell 2017 POY pipe, and in that pipe box I found it says this pipe is design by Poul Winslow.
Is every POY pipes are design by some famous artisan pipe maker ?
And, Normally, what's the reason they decide which pipe is gonna be a "Pipe Of The Year" ?

 

[warren]

People collect "Pipe of the Year." So, there is money to be made marketing such. Therefore, some manufacturers designate a "Pipe of the Year."

 

[mso489]

I think most POY's are designed and chosen by unnamed staff, presumably senior folks. I think some folks collect them and that creates a market. Personally, I don't like the ones with little metal plaques on the shank, like an historical marker. My pipes are landmarks in my life in various ways, and I'm not much on celebrating the pipe company, but I don't think it is a bad thing for those who enjoy it. Some of the pipes are really nice, except for the plaques, to my taste.

 

[jameshsi]

Unless I know why they put that pipe as POY, otherwise I won't buy it.
I just found the reason for Stanwell 2010 POTY, check this Goes to Stanwell]Stanwell Briar Tour

 

[jameshsi]

This is my first Stanwell pipe of the year, 2017.

The shape is design by Poul Winslow.

 

[cortezattic]

Jameshsi, thanks for posting the pix and the link to the Stanwell tour. :clap:

 

[seanv]

There is no real reason behind it I don’t think. It is just a marketing ploy.

 

[danimalia]

That's a very nice Stanwell, jameshsi. ALso, like the 2010 version a lot. Was also curious about the story of POTYs, and am not surprised to see it's just a marketing ploy. Nothing inherently bad about that, but I'm not a collector, so unless a particular shape/finish appealed to me, it wouldn't mean much to me.

Personally, I don't like the ones with little metal plaques on the shank, like an historical marker

Interesting. I think it can look very nice on the right pipe, but I see what you mean by its resemblance to a historical marker.

 

[alaskanpiper]

I always just assumed it was marketing. I like the Stanwell! Not surprising since it's a Winslow. I only ever bought one POTY, an estate buy, because the shape is one of my favorites and I'm a sucker for silver spigot work, which is quite elaborate in this case. It's a Peterson 2005 POTY.

 

[fightnhampster]

Not a Peterson fan, but man, that scrool work is awesome! I also love the off-kilter apple shape of it.

 

[jameshsi]

I am not a Peterson fan too, but it did looks nice and seductive.
Tell me, where can I probably find it ? (on line)

 

[jameshsi]

Just can't resist this POTY 2016, got it from someone, unsmoke, yesterday, and I put Curly Block, cut in cubes, smokes very good.

I am glad I bought it, although I still don't have any idea which pipe maker design it, or the model number.

I agree that the plate is not a good idea.

 

[chopper]

That's a very nice looking pipe Jameshsi.

I'm also not keen on the plate. At least it sits flush.
Alaskanpiper - that's one fine Peterson. Love the silver work.

 

[instymp]

Alaskan..nice pipe!

 

[cshubhra]

Both pipes are beautiful!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Two winners!
Enjoy!

 

[milehighpiper]

I know someone here has to have a sweet POTY collection... I hope they post a picture!

 

[jameshsi]

Anybody knows the story for POY 2016 ? like who is the designer originally or what's the model number...etc. I don't think they just randomly pick one up and say this one is gonna be POY, uh ?

 

[jameshsi]

I now know Tom Eltang is for 2013 POTY.