Wally Frank estate pipes French briar

[seakayak]

Two "Wally Frank" estate pipes purchased from a local antique shop. Great smokers with FRANK and FRENCH BRIAR stamped on the side of each. I really like the stem color on the bent billiard and the extra long stem on the straight. They are both in very good condition, but I know little else about them at this point.

 

[seakayak]

Both stems appear to be Lucite. They screw in to the shank in a way I haven't seen before, with threaded lucite into threaded briar rather than a metal connector in between. They cleaned up well. Thanks for the comments.

 

[nsfisher]

Yes indeed mate, I like those pretty much. You got a good buy there

 

[keith929]

I have one Wally Frank in my collection(wish I had more). It is a great smoker as I am sure yours will be.

 

[pipewife]

I have one Wally Frank that is great smoker. When I initially pulled it out of the estate box, it was pretty much all one muddled shade of dingy brown (stem as well as briar). It cleaned up very nicely. Different style from the OP's, and with a Kaywoodie-style stinger although it has the faint "France" stamp on it.

 

[hawk60ce]

I like the stem on the bent one as well.

 

[seakayak]

I really like the grain on your bent billiard, pipewife. Mr. Frank imported a lot of European pieces to his shop in NYC so quality tends to vary. He generally brought in only pipes from reputable makers, though. It appears we both came up with lucky finds here.

 

[pipewife]

seakayak, mine has "Straight Grain" stamped on one side with "Wally Frank" (all capital letters) on the other, with a *very* faint "France" on the back of the stummel where the stem joins. In fact, it took me a few weeks before I noticed the "France" stamp at all.
I agree with you on the long stem of your straight, brings to mind what my dad called a 1950s white-collar elegance when I asked if he had a favorite style of pipe.
It sounds like you found the same short write-up on Wally Frank pipes that I did! LOL Ironically, my other favorite great-smoking estate pipe says "John Middleton" on its side.

 

[gwtwdbss]

Those are nice looking Wally Frank's!

 

[seakayak]

Pipedia is always my "go to" source for quick information. I love to learn the history of my pipes, so I always do some research with each new purchase. Enjoy your Frank as I will mine.

 

[pipewife]

Along with being curious about the history of the pipes, I would also love to get some more from these manufacturers! I check Pipedia also.
My WF is one of my early morning pipes, because it is such a reliable and easy smoker. I hope yours serve you equally well!