Why are Root Briar Pipes Generally Cheaper?

[AppalachianPipe92]

Is money saved on the labor aspect?

Title edited for caps and brevity. -jpm

I've been looking at antique pipes lately and have bought a few. This is a Savinelli 111 KS. I've had my eye on some Dunhills and even bought one. I noticed, however, that the root briar pipes tend to be cheaper. I thought it might be less labor, but even the smooth seem to be a little cheaper. I'm curious as to why this may be, or if people avoid buying root briar and why. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers

 

[dunnyboy]

I'm surprised. Root briar (amber root) was one of Dunhill's higher-end offerings, above bruyere and the blast finishes.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

I'm surprised. Root briar (amber root) was one of Dunhill's higher-end offerings, above bruyere and the blast finishes.

Maybe it was just the particular pipes I was seeing. There seemed to be a trend though, and I found it surprising.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

If you're referring to used pipes, it might just mean they're not as popular as they once might've been.

 

[TheWhale13]

The pipe you're looking at above seems to be a Savinelli Corallo (?)

It is rusticated not (called) "root briar". I think you mean that rusticated pipes are cheaper?

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

The pipe you're looking at above seems to be a Savinelli Corallo (?)

It is rusticated not (called) "root briar". I think you mean that rusticated pipes are cheaper?

The root briar Dunhills I've seen on auctions were cheaper than some of the smooth and other pipes by them that sold. Again, maybe it was the select few I was seeing but it seemed to be a trend. And this was sold in an auction as a Capri root briar. I'm surprised it's rusticated if so - it looks nothing like any of my other rusticsted pipes. Thanks for the info

 

[bullet08]

I thought briar are root of the plant that is tumorous, therefore, all the nice bird eyes and grains.

 

[beefeater33]

The root briar Dunhills I've seen on auctions were cheaper than some of the smooth and other pipes

Root briar Dunhills are all smooth.

 

[TheWhale13]

I thought briar are root of the plant that is tumorous, therefore, all the nice bird eyes and grains.

You're right.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

I thought briar are root of the plant that is tumorous, therefore, all the nice bird eyes and grains.

Absolutely. I thought "root briar" referred to finish of the pipe. Now I feel like an idiot

 

[TheWhale13]

Absolutely. I thought "root briar" referred to finish of the pipe. Now I feel like an idiot

No reason to, you can't know everything

 

[beefeater33]

Absolutely. I thought "root briar" referred to finish of the pipe. Now I feel like an idiot

We all have to learn........... don't feel bad.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

Problem solved. I had a dumb moment and thought Root Briar labeled pipes was referring to the rough finish.

 

[beefeater33]

Problem solved. I had a dumb moment and thought Root Briar labeled pipes was referring to the rough finish.

Pipes with rough finishes can be either "rusticated" (using a tool to rough up the surface or "Sandblasted" (Actual sandblasting the wood)

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

Pipes with rough finishes can be either "rusticated" (using a tool to rough up the surface or "Sandblasted" (Actual sandblasting the wood)

Yeah I own a fair amount of both. I thought there was a "root" finish, but was wrong.

 

[dunnyboy]

Dunhill labels it's smooth honey-colored pipes as "amber root," often shortened to "root briar." Not sure why they chose this nomenclature because, of course, all briar pipes come from the root of the briar. Older root briars were not as particular about grain as the current market now prefers. But they still showed more grain than the darker stained smooths and roughs.

When bought new, older generation Dunhill "amber root" briars were considered more desirable, and cost more, than the darker red-stained bruyeres, and the rough pipes in their line. More recently, Dunhill has introduced some higher grades of smooth finishes, like "collectors," presumably to compete with manufacturers featuring straight grain, birdseye and flame pipes.

 

[OzPiper]

Sandblasting or rustication are what pipe makers do with less than perfect stummels.

If they start off making a smooth and discover flaws, blasting or rustication will disguise those flaws and make it saleable without the need of filling in the defects.

Very, very occasionally a maker will see a "perfect" piece and go "wow, this will result in a great ring grain" and blast it. If it happens, expect to pay as much or more than one of his smooth pieces.

 

[mingc]

Problem solved. I had a dumb moment and thought Root Briar labeled pipes was referring to the rough finish.

If the only stamp on the pipe was "ROOT BRIAR" and nothing else, it was a basket pipe and probably cost no more than $20 new. It would not be a Dunhill pipe, which are stamped Dunhill, among other things. The prices for estate Dunhills are probably higher than they've ever been.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

If the only stamp on the pipe was "ROOT BRIAR" and nothing else, it was a basket pipe and probably cost no more than $20 new. It would not be a Dunhill pipe, which are stamped Dunhill, among other things. The prices for estate Dunhills are probably higher than they've ever been.

They really are.

 

[dunnyboy]

Dunhill labels it's smooth honey-colored pipes as "amber root," often shortened to "root briar." Not sure why they chose this nomenclature because, of course, all briar pipes come from the root of the briar. Older root briars were not as particular about grain as the current market now prefers. But they still showed more grain than the darker stained smooths and roughs.

When bought new, older generation Dunhill "amber root" briars were considered more desirable, and cost more, than the darker red-stained bruyeres, and the rough pipes in their line. More recently, Dunhill has introduced some higher grades of smooth finishes, like "collectors," presumably to compete with manufacturers featuring straight grain, birdseye and flame pipes.

I made a mistake that I would like to correct. Dunhill "root briar" not "amber root" pipes are the honey-colored or golden brown smooth pipes near the top of the Dunhill line. Amber root pipes have a darker reddish-brown stain that still shows the grain clearly. It is also at the top of the Dunhill line. Amber roots should be distinguished from "bruyeres" which also have a smooth finish but are generally ranked below the root briars and amber roots. Of course, the pipes should be stamped with the other Dunhill nomenclature. (Consult Root Briar - Dunhill - Markings - http://www.pipephil.eu/logos/en/dunhill/root-briar1.html) for more details. I apologize for the inaccurate information. Pipephil.eu is a good source for figuring out the age and grade of virtually every pipe that has been made.