Ruthenberg Estate Pipe

[tucson]

Here is a Ruthenberg I am thinking if purchasing. Any thoughts?

 

[adam12]

What year is it? This matters with Ruthies.

 

[tucson]

It is stamped "09". Is this the year? Or is it the size or grade of quality?

 

[pipestud]

What year is it? This matters with Ruthies. - Adam 12

Looks like one of Brian's "Moon" pipes (sandblast over carve). - And Adam12, I'm very curious to know why the year stamp on a Ruthenberg pipe is so important? I've not heard that thought before.
Thanks,
Pipestud

 

[elpfeife]

Someone (Harris, I think) gave a cutoff date for both Ruthenberg and Rad pipes, before which he doesn't buy them since they were still mastering their craft. I don't recall those dates but seems like maybe 2007(?)for Ruthenbergs. I have one of his pipes from before that date and it is very good. I'm sure we will get the story here before long.

 

[pipestud]

Thanks elpfeite, for your info. I've not ever heard that one before. I have two year 2002 production Ruthenberg pipes and at least one from each year he made them. The draw was more open starting around 2005-2006, but no change in the quality of the pipes since 2002, that I can determine. Having said that, I do believe Brian's outstanding sandblast work has gotten better over the years, but again, while being no expert, I don't see any change in the quality or smokability of his pipes other than the more open draws of his recent production pieces.
Thanks again,
Pipestud

 

[adam12]

That's what I was about to say Pipestud - the airhole seems more open around the mid 2000's
As for the aesthetics (blast, mastering his craft) it's a crap shoot, he pretty much does solid blast work throughout

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Gorgeous pipe. I have one that is a sandblast over rustication as well.
By the way, I also see Brian has a new one for sale at this very moment (I am such an enabler):
http://www.briarart.com/0886text.htm

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

I would buy it. It is hard to find a Ruthenberg at all, so if you like the looks of this one I would go for it. Smoking quality of a Ruthenberg is unparalleled.

 

[tucson]

I now have purchased this pipe for $175. I thought there must be something wrong with the pipe at this price. But SP says there is just a little darkening on the rim. I wonder what this pipe costed new?

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Well, the one above is new and it's $300

 

[elpfeife]

Go for it Soy. It's a beauty.

 

[tbradsim1]

An 03 Black rusticated, I also have an 08,10, in the red rustication and can find no difference in the draw, they are all great pipes.

 

[conlejm]

Wow, that is a beauty! If you can comfortably afford it, I hope you buy it, especially considering the discounted price (relative to the one Peck pointed out).

 

[ssjones]

http://www.briarart.com/0608text.htm
I think that is your pipe from Brians archive site. $315 new.
SP always says "rim darkening" which is their code word for "nearly new". I think you done good!

 

[tucson]

I have the Ruthenberg in my hands! What a beauty! I do not know what to do with it now. If I light it up, I may darken the rim. What should I do? Use matches? Very careful use of my Zippo pipe lighter, and hope for the best? I would kick myself around the block if I damaged this pipe in any way.

 

[tbradsim1]

Tu smoke that SOB, just don't load too high, use a match and go man go.

 

[ssjones]

What Brad said!

 

[saltedplug]

Ruthenberg's pipes exude class!

 

[tucson]

Today I tried to get the dottle at the bottom of the pipe lit. Stupid. I know. I ended up with a little unpleasant taste. I almost had a heart attack. So I used vanilla extract to "fix' the pipe. I hope it will be OK now. I did smoke it one more time before the vanilla to see if the pipe is damaged. That taste was there but went almost completely away as I smoked. I hope the vanilla extract does the trick.