Pre-Transition Barling Arrives--Should I Keep It?

[sparrowhawk]

The Barling arrived today, but while I usually can make a decision for or against a pipe, this one has me confused, possibly because I've seen nothing quite like it. The sandblasting is exquisite with a superb grain, the bowl is huge (I can fit my thumb it in!) but on the other hand, these virtues have some aspects that seem at odds with the pipe. The shank seems a tad too slender for such an overwhelming bowl and the chamber walls seem too thin. SP did say the chamber was over reamed. Together, the pipe seems a kind of attractive chimera. Maybe I'm too used to Petersons. I haven't smoked it yet, so I can still return it, but it does have a terrific drawn on the draughthole. What say you? Keep it or send it back? (If I absolutely don't like it, I suppose I could alway sell it, but how many people have heard of Barling?) Help me out here--your opinions are always wise and thoughtful.

 

[pagan]

Barling (pre transition) are fine pipes, somewhat unknown to many, and that one is a great looking pipe. not a shape I am fond of but a nice pipe

 

[bentbob]

Barling's are quite sought after pipes. The wall thickness on this one appears similar to the several Barling's I own. There are one or two highly knowledgeable Barling's collectors on this forum for further information and wo can probably date the pipe to within a few years. Do you have any pics of the stamping and are there any shape number or size stamping? I don't see the crossed Barling logo on the stem but it may just be very feint.
Personally, I wouldn't part with it particularly if you got it at a bargain price.
If you really do want to part with it, I'd but it!

 

[philobeddoe]

Lovely blast, I would keep it and just smoke it carefully for the first few bowls, after that I think you'll feel fine smoking it normally, it's quite a handsome pipe after all.

 

[bentbob]

I think this is a transition / post transition catalogue page but yours could be a Billiard Chubby with a taper stem?

 

[bentbob]

One day I'll get into the swing of being able to upload pics to this forum! Second attempt.

 

[sablebrush52]

Did Smokingpipes mention that this is a replacement stem? That doesn't look like a Barling stem. If the draft is good, who cares, but you shouldn't have paid for an original stem.
A lot of people, especially fans of Britwood, know the Barling name. While they didn't have a large presence in the US they developed a very loyal following. I've known three top level Dunhill dealers who sold Dunhills, but collected and smoked Barlings.
Keep it or send it back. It's your choice.
HA! Jokes' on me! I just saw the image from the 1962 Catalog and realized that I'd forgotten about those stem shapes. Might be a Barling stem after all.

 

[dmcmtk]

This one, yes?
https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=215100

 

[sparrowhawk]

It is indeed. I suspect I will return the pipe regretfully, despite its great virtues because the pipe doesn't really come together as a whole. Shank too slender, as is the loosely finally stem, chamber walls too thin for a cool smoke,and a little long for me. But lastly it is a matter of instinct, something saying the pipe is wrong for me, but not for you. I'll let you know, in which case it'll be available again at SP.

 

[simong]

Are you sure your not 'overthinking' the matter? Looks like a lovely smoker to me. You do know if the pipe hasn't been smoked for a while, the stem loosens right? Plus,I have a few thin walled pipes that smoke cooler than thicker bowled pipes. Run the gauntlet man & smoke it! It's a barling pipe!

 

[ssjones]

90% of the time, the stems do tighten when smoked.

 

[sablebrush52]

If you don't like the pipe, return it.
This particular Barling was made between late 1962 and possibly 1968. The billiard curvet was one of the more difficult shapes to carve and the proportions on this one look good, which suggests that it was made earlier during the Corporate Era, so maybe 1962 - 65. Once one learns more about the changes that took place after the family left in 1962, the terms "Transition" vs "Post Transition" become essentially meaningless. There wasn't much meaning to them before, but now there's really none.
What I will say is that my first Barling came from this period and it remains one of the very best pipes I've owned. But I think that this is more about esthetics than smoking properties. So send it back if you don't like it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

So, here's "the other side". Quite nice!

 

[mayfair70]

Beautiful pipe! If you aren't sure, then it may not be for you. I have one Barling with a thin-walled chimney bowl and a nice slight bend, light as a feather. I couldn't be happier. It smokes a little warm, but, I smoke too fast. Good luck!

 

[sparrowhawk]

I'm thoroughly confused now. Thanks a bunch, guys! I think I'll live with it a few days, see if I get to like it enough to keep. By the way, the pipe is a Fossil, for what that's worth. I'll let you fellows know.

 

[fitzy]

I personally wouldn't consider those walls too thin. Thinner than .25 is too thin. That pipe according to those specs are .365.

 

[mso489]

I'm not a Barling owner. However, though I have many different shapes and straight and all degrees of bent, I am a sucker for a straight billiard. I like a little more balance between the bowl size and the shank and stem, but if the pipe isn't too heavy, this is a good long smoker. If I'd fallen in love with the pipe enough to buy it, I'd probably keep it, unless it gives you a sinking feeling every time you see it, then send it back while you can. Pipes last for the rest of your life, in many cases, so decide if you feel that way about it. You could send it back for store credit and try again for something that more decidedly rings your chimes.

 

[mayfair70]

I'm thoroughly confused now...I'll let you fellows know.

Our work is done! :mrgreen: I tell you what. I am so convinced that you will enjoy smoking that pipe, that if you find you do not like it after trying for a month, I will buy it from you at your original purchase price. I am 100% certain Barling is that good of a pipe. Also, I love the blast you have there and I want the damn thing now. Thanks? Hope that helps. ::

 

[jpmcwjr]

OK, I'll offer the same, plus Five Bucks! Enjoy!!

 

[paulfg]

their you go sparrowhawk you cant lose,smoke it and see.

I bet you want to keep it but with 2 people offering to buy it