Thompson, West Germany Pipe

[mso489]

Okay, here's another mystery pipe. A friend has gifted me with an estate pipe that looks similar to a freehand by Eric Nording or Johs, but it is stamped Thompson, West Germany, Selected Briar. It is unlikely a Nils Thompsen pipe, since the spelling is wrong and he was an officer in East Germany before later becoming a carver; he's listed with a short bio in Pipepedia. My pipe has a P-Lip bit and is only slightly bent. It's hefty, about 2 ounces, and has plateau on the rim. It's in good condition; from the stem, I'd guess it was made in the 1970's to 80's. Anyone ever come across a pipe stamped West Germany, or Selected Briar? The Thompson stamp is done on the diagonal rather than straight across. The finish is smooth with some vivid grain and a dark reddish stain.

 

[mso489]

No posts yet, so here's what I am thinking so far; I think this was a house pipe done for Thompson Cigars, a U.S. outfit and an online retailer that was started, according to their logo, in 1915. They are well known for house pipes made by Savenelli, but I think it likely that they have had other sources, in this case probably West Germany many years ago. Annoyingly, Thompson Cigars doesn't include its actual address on its web site, or I haven't located it yet. I might phone them toll-free and see if they can fill me in on the West German sourcing of their house pipes. I'll report back if I unearth anything. If anyone wants to join in this detective work for sport, feel free.

 

[mso489]

May be answering my own question here: Thompson Cigar is at 5401 Hangar Ct., Tampa FL 33634. Originated in Key West in 1915. Now to see if they have a resident or accessible retired historian who might remember sourcing house pipes from West Germany. Might have an idea what pipe maker was the supplier and if they're still in business. I'm trying some PC Chestnut in the pipe and it smokes well. I was going to say, I'm breaking it in, but that happened a long time ago.

 

[davet]

I have one or two Thompson pipes. I'll have a look and see what they are stamped for the country of origin.

 

[davet]

This one is stamped Made in Holland. You have sparked my curiosity, my last name is Thompson :puffpipe:

 

[mso489]

davet, nifty shape, maybe an apple with some author influence. I think this West German made pipe may go back further than this one, because the stem has an older look, not even into the 1980's I don't think. Since Thompson's rep is for Sav house pipes now, I think they have shopped around for sources. There's a story here, if they'll tell.

 

[markus]

I have a Thompson pipe that I have been told was a Thompson Cigars pipe, it's a good smoker.

I'm not sure where it was made, or if it had a marking on it to specify that, so I will have to take a closer look at it tonight.

 

[mso489]

My pipe and davet's look pretty classy for house pipes, plenty of briar and some heft.