What Do You Know About Virgins?

[foggymountain]

I have not had a virgin since 1974 or 75.

 

[npod]

LIKE A VIRGIN, smoked for the very first time.
Since this post was originally presented I have been working on a photo project to show the progression of virgin briar coloration over time. I finally got the time to put some images together that tell the story. The original Virgin stack pipe is now 6 months in and well smoked. Eltang briar.
Left-to-right: 3 years, 6 months, new (never smoked). Studio/Strobe lighting:

Natural lighting:

 

[mso489]

My latest unfinished pipe acquisition, about two months ago, was a Peterson yacht. I liked the shape. At first I missed the familiar Peterson heft in the shank and stem, but with several bowls, I really appreciate the light weight combined with an ample bowl, and I think I am seeing a glimmer of good color already. These were on sale in several shapes at PC, and I am well pleased.

 

[didimauw]

I bought this University pipe from P&C.com Brand new in 2016. Supposed to be 30 year old aged unsmoked briar that was restamped for this sale.

And this is it today with no waxing, staining, nothing.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Perfect illustration.

 

[rfernand]

Where are all the dirty jokes? Everybody is sharing on topic information! :p
I have a Sav 320 rusticated Seta. Does it count as a virgin pipe?

 

[npod]

Here’s some new virgin porn to look at.

 

[jfred]

These look truly gorgeous, both before and after.

Will the effect be similar on a rusticated virgin pipe? I have my eyes on a nice looking Castello Natural Vergin.

 

[mso489]

For some decades, Savinelli used unfinished pipes as seconds, and they usually had a fill or two, but mostly inconspicuous, and they darkened and attained luster in a fine way. You can still find these, but the Rossi line, purchased by Savinelli has absorbed some of these and sold them with dark stain, and the prices on the Sav unfinished pipes has gone up in price, along with everything else. Other brands have featured upscale versions where the pipes have mostly no visible blemishes, and others have textured carving but no stain, and no visible blemishes. But the principle is the same, with the pipes taking on color, shine, and patina over several years. The the luster continues to deepen with time.

 

[npod]

Will the effect be similar on a rusticated virgin pipe?

Nope. Virgin rusticated pipes develop a patina over time vs a darkening of the wood. They will color for sure, but it’s from oils on the hands and also the tar and moisture from the tobacco. The effect is wonderful, but very different than a true virgin smooth briar.
Example: Castello Opera 44 virgin sea rock. Very old and well smoked.

Example: Castello Billiard virgin sea rock.

Versus
Example: the smooth Eltang stack chimney as seen above, but now one year old and well smoked. The natural contrast coloring is a yellow walnut. So beautiful.

Example: virgin smooth egg, 10 months

Example: virgin brandy 5 years

 

[craiginthecorn]

Oooo, that egg!!! You're such an enabler, Neal.

 

[jfred]

Thanks for the insightful reply and the excellent pictures, npod. I love the patina in those sea rocks, but it's now obvious to me that I also need to look for a smooth virgin for my collection. Yours are exquisite.

 

[davek]

In order to re-open Mclelland I propose we throw some virgin tobacco in a volcano shaped pipe.

Hilarious. Stealing from another funny post, I suppose virgin tobacco would be cherry tobacco.

 

[mso489]

Don't know nothin' about no virgins, and that baby don't look nothin' like me. (Had to get a joke on this thread.)

 

[cigrmaster]

Neal, great looking pipes and incredible pics. Thanks for sharing.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

It can also be fun to take a cheap pipe and sand off the coating to give it a virgin finish.

They usually have knots and filling underneath, but it can be a good way to get the effect in any given brand or shape you already like without going to lengths searching for a factory made virgin finish.