Show Off Your Custom-Bilt or Custombilt Here

[smoothsailing]

Stubby nose warmer.

 

[smoothsailing]

I love the older chunky Custom-Bilts and I don't typically go after the newer Bilts but there was something special about this one. It's got this shell/blast thing going on.

 

[mso489]

I am duly impressed. It's a whole universe of pipes from the past that holds up completely in the present. Kaywoodie has taken on that deeply grooved carved look in their Ruff-Tone line, and I have one of those, in the Drinkless series, which has some of the heft and sturdiness still keeping the weight down. I wasn't aware of the lineage of this carving. Anyone have a link to a brief history of Custombilt and Custom-Bilt pipes? I think my favorite N.C. carver draws from these for some of his designs; I have in mind an especially apt pocket pipe with a thick shank and stem that is in this vein. These on this thread are really beautiful pipes -- such integrity of design.

 

[smoothsailing]

I received my copy of Bill Ungers- AsIndividual as a Thumbprint: The Custom-Bilt Pipe Story ,thanks to Jeff of NASPC. It should be interesting to read up on some of the history of my collection and others.

 

[snagstangl]

so are they printing them again?

 

[smoothsailing]

I've been Emailing back and forth since May. They were aiming for a short run in June, but printing issues pushed it back a couple of months . I received mine last week.

 

[johnnyreb]

I feel right at home here.Some great Bilts ,never get sick of looking at em.Here's one more.

Smoothsailing, you do some great photography work! I enjoy looking at your pics.

 

[smoothsailing]

Original box Eugene Rich era Custombilt . Its my first Rich era hopefully there will be many more.

 

[snagstangl]

I threw $30 at that one but I figured someone would want it more. I think the prices on Custombilts have finally started to cool down. I think 6 months ago that would have been $100 easy.

 

[smoothsailing]

Back in November a fellow blogger sent me three Rich era Custombilts that needed a little attention and a new home.

If you have some time check out his blog at https://pipescoundrel.wordpress.com

 

[smoothsailing]

Custom-Bilt Poker- patented filter system, was refurbished over the past couple of days.

 

[smoothsailing]

Convertibole ,it took a couple of years but I finally got my hands on one.

 

[snagstangl]

I was wondering if you would pick some of the lesser knowns up that you had the book. I have a couple of those convertibole. I think I saw one NIB on ebay that had maybe 2 or 3 bowls with it. Every once since then I have just seen the one bowl.

 

[smoothsailing]

Snagstangl-
Bill Unger's book is an Incredible resource, I've been though it cover to cover a few times.As for the Convertibole its been on my radar for awhile.

Maybe you could help with this one I couldn't find any info in Bill's book is a sculptured Bilt, I'm unsure of the Era it looks to be Eugene Rich.It's in near mint condition, lightly smoked.

 

[snagstangl]

Smooth,

I assume that was one of the Animal Carved Bowls that was special order for a mason. That is what I figured when it came up on Ebay awhile back. I figured if someone knew Mincer personally that could have happened. If ebay is not where you got that one, then I have seen a copy there. It looks like the same style of carving on the other animal carved custombilts I have.

 

[smoothsailing]

Thanks Snag-
I thought it was odd I couldn't find any info on this pipe, it would make sense it could perhaps be a special order.

 

[clickklick]

Bill unger and Tracy mincer are smiling down on this thread!

 

[smoothsailing]

Refurbished Rich Era carved Custombilt (Hooked Bass) finished up last weekend.



The Hooked Bass is the largest full bent Custombilt in my collection, with a generous 25mm by 47mm deep chamber and an overall length of 6 inches.

 

[snagstangl]

I saw that one as well. I'm glad you picked it up.

 

[smoothsailing]

Thanks Snag- I paid up for it but worth every penny IMO.