What Is This Pipe?

[msjones99x]

I have had a pipe for several years. I bought it used back when I first started smoking & just recently got to looking at it & realized I don't know anything about it. It says Megacent(ro?), Algerian Briar, and Made in France. I've done web searches but can't find anything about this pipe at all. Can anyone help? It may not be a well-known maker (?) but its a good smoker & I'm just curious about it. I'll try to post a picture or two.

 

[msjones99x]

I have a couple of pictures of this pipe in my profile album & will try to upload them here.

 

[msjones99x]

I can't see the image so I might try another tack.

 

[msjones99x]

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[Chasing Embers]

Copy the location of your pic from the browser bar, then click on the "IMG" tab, delete the text in tthe box that appears, and paste the pic location into the box.

 

[msjones99x]

 

[msjones99x]

 

[msjones99x]

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

There it is! :D I don't know anything about it, but it's super cool. I'm not a big fan of how the stem meets the shank, but other than that I really like it. I really like the shape. And I'm not normally a fan of rustication, but it looks really good on that pipe. :clap:

 

[msjones99x]

Finally, right?! I couldn't get the pics to post going the usual route, so I went to an image host & it worked. If a moderator wants to remove the extra posts, thanks. I couldn't see how to delete them.
Thanks, I like the pipe too, flaws & all. I seem to be on a bit of a quest to learn more about it!

 

[jvnshr]

If a moderator wants to remove the extra posts, thanks. I couldn't see how to delete them.

Done.

 

[fishnbanjo]

Generally speaking that would be most likely what is referred to as a basket pipe, I am also not sure the stem is original to the pipe it doesn’t look right to me as far as the fit up to the shank is concerned but it’s cool looking regardless, regards.

banjo

 

[sablebrush52]

+1 with Banjo. When a pipe doesn't have the name of its manufacturer stamped on it, it's referred to as either a "basket" or "no name" pipe. I also agree that the stem doesn't look original to it. But the shaping and the rustication is first rate!
The "Algerian briar" stamp is cool. Algerian briar became difficult to get after the mid 1950's. The shape is one I've seen a few times. JD Cooke carves this shape as do several others, and no, I'm not suggesting it's a Cooke, it's a French import. But it would be nice to know how long ago this shape was being carved.

 

[mso489]

A French pipe of Algerian briar may be a basket pipe in the sense of not being a name brand, but it's a good one, since France's St. Claude made prominent the use of briar and French pipes in general are way above their price point in quality. French pipe makers are competitive and fussy and demanding. Take a look at Ewa pipes at Iwan Ries, small but well made and starting at about $38, small bowls but will do a long smoke with flake or plug.

 

[joeman]

Ms. Jones...can you make out the words (or at least the letters I see) in the space above where it says Algerian Briar?

 

[madox07]

Nice looking pipe ... and I also agree, the stem is not from the same story as the bowl. Do you any longer smoke it, or is it a family heirloom? Does it smoke well? In my honest opinion, I have had basket pipes that smoke better than some house hold names ..

 

[msjones99x]

Hi all, thank you, jvnshr.
Thanks for all the information, everyone! I've always thought something was up with the stem, too, but didn't know what it was. I like the stem though, so I don't mind if it's not original. A French basket pipe, huh? That's fine with me. I like the pipe a lot. It does smoke well though it could use a good cleaning. It doesn't smoke sour though, so there's that. It is not a family heirloom or anything. I bought it used from eBay years ago when I was first trying out pipes. I just liked it.
The words above 'Algerian Briar' say Megacentro (or Megacentra?) or maybe Omegacen... It looks like a name but Web searches turn up nothing. I'll try to post a better pic so you can see that better.

 

[msjones99x]

Trying with another pic.

 

[msjones99x]

I'll try to take a better pic tonight when I get home from work.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

Nice pipe. That stem might be original. The fleur-di-lis and Omega stamping might point to it being a Chacom second. Omega