What Have I Got?

[verporchting]

Found this little fellow in a junk shop for just a few dollars and it just spoke to me. Not sure if the stem is amber or something else. It’s quite an interesting find.

Only marking is “FRENCH BRIAR” all caps, screw tenon and orific bit.

Any clue what I have found here?

 

[jpmcwjr]

What you have is a real find, esp if the stem turns out to be amber. Congrats!

Where is this shop?

 

[sablebrush52]

It's pretty old, I'd guess earlier than 1915 due to the screw in tenon, though it could be as late as the mid 1920's, and likely meant for export given the "French Briar" stamp. More than likely made in St Claude. The stem isn't amber. Is the smoke hole circular or is it a slot?

 

[verporchting]

Lincoln Montana. Not really fair to call it a junk shop because it’s a charming little place with cool people, so shame on me. It’s… a shop full of old stuff. Not really what I’d call antiques, not much furniture or collectibles, definitely not a thrift shop or anything of that nature either, but a tiny little place with lots of fun stuff that’s old and quirky and not terribly expensive.

The owner’s husband is maybe a pipe smoker who has an eye for cool pipes because there were several good brand pipes for decent prices - GBD, Comoy, Nording, etc. and they were nicely cleaned and polished, properly reamed and not over done like an amateur usually does. Sadly most of the stems were chewed so I wasn’t interested in them although replacement stems would be an option for the price - but not a bargain.

It was a great little shop and I enjoy stopping in once every now and again.

 

[verporchting]

It's pretty old, I'd guess earlier than 1915 due to the screw in tenon, though it could be as late as the mid 1920's, and likely meant for export given the "French Briar" stamp. More than likely made in St Claude. The stem isn't amber. Is the smoke hole circular or is it a slot?

Jesse, it’s just a circular opening, no slot. The stem fits tightly and is perfectly clocked. It feels like a 100 year old pipe. It’s tiny too. I will post another picture momentarily to show the size.

 

[verporchting]

The Peterson is a vintage Sports 8 so definitely a pocket pipe. The French pipe is much lighter and more petite.

 

[sablebrush52]

Jesse, it’s just a circular opening, no slot.

So, mid 1920's or earlier. Stem could be Bakelite, Redmanol or some other form of resin.

 

[verporchting]

Thanks Jesse, much appreciated. Think I’m going to pack it up with some Orlik and give it a test run. Seems a decent little pipe and quite clean. Perfect for short smokes and an appealing design.

I would love to know more about it but I’m going to enjoy having it regardless. It’s fun finding these interesting old pipes in out of the way places. I’ve found some real treasures that have turned into favorite smokers without needing much or any work. I’m not much of a restoration guy, sadly I lack the skills, but when I see something this clean it just seems silly to not buy it.

 

[sablebrush52]

Thanks Jesse, much appreciated. Think I’m going to pack it up with some Orlik and give it a test run. Seems a decent little pipe and quite clean. Perfect for short smokes and an appealing design.

I would love to know more about it but I’m going to enjoy having it regardless. It’s fun finding these interesting old pipes in out of the way places. I’ve found some real treasures that have turned into favorite smokers without needing much or any work. I’m not much of a restoration guy, sadly I lack the skills, but when I see something this clean it just seems silly to not buy it.

Sorry I can't tell you more, but you at least have a rough dating and the city where it was most likely made.

 

[verporchting]

Sorry I can't tell you more, but you at least have a rough dating and the city where it was most likely made.

That’s a fantastic amount of information and very much appreciated! I just knew at a glance it was fairly old and needed to come home with me. The orific bit was a big clue despite not knowing what the material was. The general design looked older than modern pipes too.

100 year old French pipe likely from St. Claude. I’m going to say I got my $18 worth. ?

 

[mso489]

I believe the French pipe makers at St. Claude established the market for briar as a major tobacco pipe material, and the industry there remains one of the best pipe making areas for high quality at moderate prices. I think the competition among the makers there keeps the quality control high. Their design is pretty impeccable, and they originated many of what we think of as the traditional English pipe designs. Some people find the chambers on the small side, but with cuts like flake, coin, plug and rope, you can get a long smoke out of a modest sized bowl. I have various French brands -- BC, Chacom, Ropp, Genod, EWA -- all good.

 

[mikethompson]

Very nice looking pipe! I would have grabbed that as well, the stain of the stummel and the stem material are fantastic together.

 

[verporchting]

The chamber is on the small side but it smokes beautifully. It’s similar in size to a Wilmer Featherlight that I have and really enjoy for quick smokes, exactly as you suggested MSO for ropes and strong blends.

Maiden voyage for my ownership was Orlik Racing Green and it was perfect.

Many of my pipes are group 4 or larger so it’s nice to have variety. This particular pipe is incredibly light and I think the designers did a great job.

 

[OzPiper]

Great find. ?

While I love the look of genuine Amber stems, they can be a pain as 100 yo Amber is fragile and prone to chipping.
I actually prefer "Amber-look" stems for their ease of maintenance.

 

[ashdigger]

French pipe with a Bakelite stem from around 1915-1925.

what do I win?

 

[verporchting]

French pipe with a Bakelite stem from around 1915-1925.

what do I win?

Winner, winner, chicken dinner?

 

[ashdigger]

Winner, winner, chicken dinner?

That’s a great looking pipe. Smoke the hell out of it.

 

[verporchting]

I’ve encountered a lot of old ceramic (?) pipes in junk shops or flea markets that are labeled as meers. Often they have pale yellow bits that seem like a type of plastic and generally are wobbly or over clocked. Some of them have orific bits and might actually be meerschaum but I’m not an expert on old pipes so I’ve never jumped. When they’re obviously vintage meers the amber stems are usually cracked, crumbled or broken altogether, so again I’ve avoided them. I didn’t know what this one was but now I do.

It’s a real kick finding stuff like this in odd places and a little bit addictive. It’s a shame I don’t have the knowledge or skills to restore or refurbish them myself but probably a good thing in the long run. Seems like a rabbit hole with no end but some of the pipes I see posted just amaze me. You guys know who you are, lol.

 

[verporchting]

That’s a great looking pipe. Smoke the hell out of it.

I was pleased with my first smoke! Very pleasant.

 

[bullet08]

Nice find. A proper French bulldog. Only if they can brew beer..