Spanu Pipes Wood Question

[kane]

I have a couple of Tom Spanu pipes. One is a horn and the other a Spanu Clairmont billiard. I have always assumed that these pipes were made from briar, but I have been reading how Tom Spanu used a lot of different types of woods for his pies, and I am curious if these pipes are perhaps made from a wood other than brair. What do you think?
Thank you

 

[mso489]

I don't have any Spanu pipes, but in addition to briar, cob, and clay, I have pipes made of Mountain Laurel and Cocobolo, and am considering one made of maple. So I'll be interested in any info on alternative wood in Spanu's. I've seen pipes advertised made of Morta (fossilized briar I think), strawberry, olive, rosewood, and some others.

 

[agnosticpipe]

I've got a Spanu Clairmont large dublin that is made from olive wood and briar. The main bowl is all olive wood and has very thick walls. The drilling is right on, and it smokes great. I bought it as an estate, so maybe it's being used was the reason I never noticed any flavor from the wood. It's a very nicely made pipe and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
I think that the pipes you have are made from briar though.

 

[orobusto]

I'm leaning toward briar because all the Spanu pipes of alternative wood I've seen have been smooth. I have an olive Spanu that I love. His cork wrapped briars are pretty good looking.

 

[clickklick]

The two in your pictures are briar.

 

[kane]

Thanks

 

[jeepnewbie]

I agree with click they look like briar.

 

[saltedplug]

The grain of olive is distinctly different than briar, and as these pipes aren't smooth, it's hard to say; but, the rims are smooth, and the grain suggests briar.

 

[newbroom]

Something about Tom Spanu's work really intrigues me. I think it's that he uses alternative wood and his attention to detail. I'm hoping to have one of his lemon wood creations some day to see how that smokes.

I missed this one on ebay, recently. Never even put a bid on it...but it went for a steal.

$31.00 & 18.00 for shipping from Spain.

 

[kane]

That's a beauty, Newbroom. Someone got a deal! I've been smoking my Spanu Clairmont every few days and it's breaking in nicely and is a fine smoking pipe. I am guessing it's likely from the '70's or thereabouts as it's a Clairmont with Spanu's name. I have a few older Caminettos and Ascortis from the '70's and they are all great smoking pipes. I would say the Spanu Clairmont is just as nice.