Who Is H.G.P. of Barclay Rex Fame?

[jguss]

Thank you greeneyes!

Just found this article dated January 1, 1922 which suggests that poor Herman may not have been cut out for the retail trade…



Of course there's always the chance that he made it up on volume <rim shot>

 

[huntertrw]

jguss for the win! Thank-you, Sir!

 

[huntertrw]

It's interesting to me that the news item, dated January 1, 1922, doesn't yet list his last name as "Perry" but as "Pesetzky."

Also, do you suppose there was a "Meerschaum Mafia" operating in New York at the time? According to the U.S. Inflation Calculator Website (Inflation Calculator | Find US Dollar's Value From 1913-2025 - https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/) $4,700.00 in 1922 (a substantial sum then) would be worth $88,872.24 today.

 

[chilllucky]

If be curious to ask @SBC and @TheIronMonkey how this account jives with whatever secret theory they were hinting at earlier.

 

[ssjones]

Not a phrase you read every day: "...where it would excite the cupidty of thieves".

 

[TheIronMonkey]

If be curious to ask @SBC and @TheIronMonkey how this account jives with whatever secret theory they were hinting at earlier.

I was excited to see any new info regarding these pipes, because so little info is available online. I welcomed the supposition that Henri Gerin might be H.G.P., but am far happier to read the reality that Jon has presented. As far as I know, Scott and I had no secret theory about H.G.P. pipes, just a common interest in them going back a few years here on the forum.

One aspect of my pipe collection is that whenever possible, I enjoy smoking a tobacconist’s blend in a pipe marked with that tobacconist’s name. Barclay-Rex is of particular interest because it’s pretty much the only surviving tobacconist in New York, my hometown.

The mystery and lack of knowledge surrounding these pipes was kind of fun because of the limitless possibilities, but the info that @jguss pulls out of the corners of his mind and archive is always welcomed.

 

[jguss]

Not a phrase you read every day: "...where it would excite the cupidty of thieves".

A bit of a "blame the victim" attitude I think, and somewhat akin to the "attractive nuisance" doctrine so fondly cherished by personal injury lawyers throughout the land.

 

[woodsroad]

A bit of a "blame the victim" attitude I think, and somewhat akin to the "attractive nuisance" doctrine so fondly cherished by personal injury lawyers throughout the land.

Smacks of pragmatism to me.

 

[SBC]

If be curious to ask @SBC and @TheIronMonkey how this account jives with whatever secret theory they were hinting at earlier.

@TheIronMonkey's answer is mine, more or less to a 'T.'

The theories that had floated around, esp. re: the claim that the carver had formerly carved for Dunhill, were a bit tantalizing. The obscure and esoteric character of the question (most seemed unaware, it was almost never talked about, and details weren't readily available) only added to the allure. I had no concrete theory, although the intention to someday do the historical digging (that as of this thread has now been done) sometimes crossed my mind.

I see no reason to doubt that Jon has done great work here and sufficiently established the history.
@jguss , I urge you to get this work reflected on any pertinent pages on Pipedia!

 

[sablebrush52]

I still think that HGP stands for "Heckuva Good Pipe" and I'm sticking with it.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Any chance the initials stood for "Heckuva Good Pipe"?

Still think “helluva good pipe” is a good option.

Make up your blimmin’ mind Jesse

 

[huntertrw]

Heckuva and Helluva were brothers, and both made pipes...

 

[huntertrw]

I have an estate Barclay-Rex bulldog which, based upon how well it smokes, must have been made by Helluva!

 

[jguss]

Heckuva

What’s Heckuva to him, or he to Heckuva?

 

[runscott]

As a New Yorker and Dunhill lover, the "LC" model pipes of Barclay Rex and the supposed ex-Dunhill pipecarver, H.G.P. that worked with them has been an obsession fascination. I have finally sourced a good condition, at least I hope so, Barclay Rex LC... so score for me!!!

But that still leaves me with the questions...Who is H.G.P.? I have a working theory I've concocted after far too coffee and research last night but:

A. Maybe this is a non-issue and someone already knows who Barclay Rex's H.G.P. is?
B. Maybe no one cares but me?
C. If not A or B, perhaps I can get help from the knowledgeable folks here?

For my Dunhill experts in the room: Do you know any french factories or carvers who carved the "LC" shape and supplied them to Dunhill? Were these carvers/factories in Paris?

Thanks Ladies and Gents...

I'm glad you like it. I loved the pipe, I researched the heck out of 'Barclay Rex' long before acquiring this one, and...I am certain there is a bit of an old wive's tale involved, but the truth may never be know, and I personally just can't collect everything. I hope this pipe's a white whale for you - it certainly is a fantastic example of a swan-neck. I didn't examine it closely enough to verify that a flexible drill was used, but hopefully so.

This was the last of my Barclay Rex pipes and I'll probably leave them to you and others in the future. Have fun!