From: ????????????????????????
Subject: Pipes Digest #187 - April 26, 1995

                  Pipes Digest #187 - April 26, 1995
             Copyright (C) 1995 by Stephen P. Masticola.
           All rights reserved. Commercial use prohibited.

                     Circulation this issue: 1091

Welcome to new members:

         Kevin                  (?????????????????)
         Serrano                (?????????????????)
         John Lindsey           (????????????????????????)
         Scott Gilliland        (?????????????????)
         Eric A Von dohlen      (????????????????????????????)
         Willisia Holbrook      (????????????????)
         ???                    (?????????????????)
         Joshua B. Hoynes       (????????????????????????????????)
         ???                    (??????????????????)
         Eric Muller            (?????????????????)
         ???                    (???????????????)
         Jason Wade             (????????????????????????)
         Edward J Maloney       (??????????????????????)
         George A. Gleason      (???????????)
         Rickey Dale Willeford  (????????????????????????)
         Jeffrey Campbell       (?????????????)
         Jeff Hewit             (??????????????????????)
         Rob Fris               (???????????????)
         John Camosy            (???????????????)
         Brian McSperrin        (???????????????????????)
         ???                    (????????????????)
         Mark Stien             (??????????????????)
         Eric Mayer             (?????????????????)
         Jason R. Mastaler      (????????????)
         ???                    (????????????????????????)
         Jon Dancisak           (???????????????????)
         Michael David Tronier  (??????????????????????)
         Paul                   (??????????????????)
         Bradford T. Rabbitt    (??????????????)
         Tim Ramsay             (??????????????????????????????)
         Shawn Fox              (????????????)
         Muskyfan               (????????????????)
         Chris Schwind          (????????????????)
         David H. Oxley         (??????????????????)
         James Lawson           (??????????????)
         Bobby Holstein         (??????????????????????)
         Joe Mencigar           (??????????????????)
         Ricard Pardell         (????????????????????)
         Greg Ozimek            (???????????????????)

Events of the weekend (including the Trenton Computer Festival and the
removal of a gazillion ailanthus from the backyard) kept Your
Moderator too flagged to put out the Digest at the usual time, but
here it is, finally. Enjoy!

HEADS UP for Massachussetts residents: The state House has passed a
measure that bans nicotine from all tobacco products sold in that
state by the year 2002.  This is no April Fool's joke; it has been
independently confirmed, and it's the closest thing to an actual
attempt at Prohibition we've seen so far.  Please call your state
legislators, and put the word out to whoever you can to organize and
fight this thing.  The bill was sponsored by Rep. Douglas Stoddart.
Remember in November. See below.


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

             Help Stop Prohibition -- Keep Tobacco Legal
                        Call -- Write -- Vote
                        Then, Smoke in Peace.

~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????????????? (Steve Masticola)
Subject: Massachussetts: Prohibition law in offing?

[ Copped from usenet somewhere; now confirmed by a search of a
Mass. legislation database posted on alt.smokers.cigars.  The Puritans
are alive and well. -S. ]

:Date: Sunday, April 16, 1995  
:Source: From Tribune wires.   
:Dateline: BOSTON    
: Chicago Tribune

:MASSACHUSETTS ACTS TO BAN NICOTINE   

:   The state House quietly passed a measure that would ban nicotine in all
:tobacco products in Massachusetts by 2002. The idea faces a long haul
:through the Legislature after the House added it without debate Thursday
:to the proposed state budget for next year. "It doesn't prohibit smoking,"
:said Rep. Douglas Stoddart, sponsor of the nicotine measure, approved by
:voice vote. "People can smoke all they want in the year 2002. There just
:won't be nicotine in the product." Walker Merryman, vice president of the
:industry's Tobacco Institute, said he had never heard of a state trying to
:ban nicotine from tobacco products.


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????? (Nanosh J. Lucas)
Subject: Regarding broken pipe

(from Marty Pulvers, Sherlock's Haven)

Dear Sir,

        If you know the shape name of your old charatan, and what grade it
was, let me know & I'll do my best to find a similar pipe.  If you don't
know shape names, I'll try to dig up an old Charatan shape chart & mail you
a Xerox copy.  As a point of info, my charatians in the Belvedere,
Perfection, Authentic grades are, if in excellent condition - $35.
        For now, let's impart a short list of some Upshalls & Ashtons
(used) that we can put our hands on immediately.  If these don't work for
you, Nanosh can do a little looking each day through our considerable stash
of used/unconditioned pipes for one you will love (and then you'll be
hooked and woe betide your checkbook).

#637 Ashton - xxx - Pebble Grain - Multi-faceted (octagonal) bowl that is a
cross between a billiard & Cognac (or brandy) shape.  Lazy, Canadian
diamond shank & typically short (black) stem.  Gorgeous pipe.  The walls
are thin, but that's only a problem if you smoke hot or the wood is poorly
cured.  Contrary to myth, thick walled pipes to not smoke cooler.  Med.
large sized bowl - $115.

#697 Ashton - xx - Pebble Grain - in long swan-like 1/2 bend.  Brindle
colored stem is very long and while the pipe is certainly ok, the balance
of proportions don't work all that well, in my opinion.  Again, both
condition and price are excellent - $80.

#621 Upshall FH (freehand) in dark carved finish.  They didn't make many of
these - and although it is an Upshall, not a Tilshead, it was their less
expensive (less than $200) model.  This one is a very nice 1/2 bent with,
for me, a very comfortable, narrow, thin stem.  Has a diamond shank of and
capacious bowl.  One side of shank is smooth in order to accomodate
nomenclature - $65.

#608 Upshall - probably their lowest grade smooth c. red stain finish &
large, almost king size bowl - barely smoked - maybe 30 seconds.  But used
is used.  For some reason Upshall decided to make this a silver spigot,
adding tons to it's original asking price, especially in Europe wehre they
treat silver like gold.  Grain is poor (hence dark red stain) & general
design would have to be called ugly.  Yet - a silver spigot Upshall for
only $100...

#661 Upshall FH - Carved Pot with large bowl & saddle stem.  Nice
comfortable pipe - $65.

#580 Upshall - P grade - large smooth Dublin with lots of good straight
grain.  Clearly a good-old Upshall from their hey day - $90.

#594 Upshall - P - 1/4 bent Bulldog - Also quite large - but grain not as
tight as above pipe.  Doesn't deserve "P" rating - $80.

        All pipes are in excellent condition.  Make any checks payable to
"Pulver's Prior Briar" -- If anyone would like to be on the mailing list
(goes out every once in a while) - just submit your address
to ?????????????????

Nanosh J. Lucas
333 N. Rengstorff Ave. Apt #25
Mountain View, CA  94303


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????
Subject: Re: #4(4) Pipes Digest #187 -...

Ok charles!  A new Gourmet International Tobaccos place just opened  
down the street from Univeral Studio Tours in Toluca Lk. Calif. 
Address

10143 Riverside Dr. Toluca Lk. Ca 91602  818-985-4310  they have 

the best in pipes, cigars, gifts  :}:}:  they got it all.  LIBEWRSONS 
ask for Phill.  Just East of him is a place called Patys where they 
welcome    welcome   welcome  all tobaco smokers and in   Calif 
thats not easy -!!! with a great patio, great food.  Its a Land Mark --
where we can enjoy your  smoking pleasuer tell our harts are content.
You'll see local stars there too.   [Sounds like a great List]

Is Universal Studios considered a major tourest center?

[ Already in the Guide, but thanks! -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????
Subject: Re: #4(4) Pipes Digest #187 -...

The digest continues to be great.    I do ask that the PD members please not
forget us cigar smokers. I am encouraging those of you out there to
contribute your articles and thoughts related to cigars just as fervently as
the pipe smokers do.  Obviously, I have nothing against the pipe smokers as I
know this is one avenue that I will definitely explore in the coming future
(and I am taking notes as I read the digest!). 

Thanks and happy smoking to all!!

p.s.  To those of you who responded to me in my quest to find some La Gloria
Cubana cigars, thank-you.  They are in the mail.

[ The Digest is what y'all make it... -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Eric Thompson <?????????????????????>
Subject: Intro Post

Steve:

Thanks for adding me to your list.  I suppose I have been lurking long 
enough...  Anyhew, here are a few words about me:

I am a 32 yr. old scientist with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture working in 
southwestern West Virginia.  I have been smoking pipes (off and on) for 
about fifteen years.  My collection of seven pipes includes two Petersons 
and a (brand new) Sasieni.

My chief reason for joining the mailing list was to get info regarding 
what to smoke in my pipes.  I used to be in Carey's tobacco club, wherein 
I received regular shipments of a blend called "Imperial English".  
Carey's discontinued this blend (even though it is still in their 
catalog!), and I quit their club.  Since then, I have tried many similar 
blends, but have yet to find one to suit me.

Steve, your digest has filled my needs and more.  I have tried several 
new blends and just received a shipment of samples from Craig Tarler of 
Cornell & Diehl.  Mail-order seems to be the best way I have found to get 
tobacco.  I live in Huntington, WV and the lone tobacconist in town is 
not acceptable (I don't mean to sound derogatory, but they don't carry 
the "finer" brands of pipes or tobaccos, e.g. Dunhill, Peterson, 
MacBaren, etc).  Still, I am able to visit North Carolina and stop by 
JR's and Pipes Etc. (in Winston-Salem).

Well, I will leave you with a quick piece of news:  My work truck (a 1995 
Ford Bronco) is supplied to my agency by the General Services 
Administration (GSA) of the federal government.  According to a 
regulation imposed last summer, I am not allowed to use _any_ tobacco 
products in that truck.  Last week, despite my statements that I do not 
smoke in that truck, the man from GSA chewed me out because he saw a 
pouch of MacBaren's #1 in the truck. (ARRG!)

Thanks again,
Eric Thompson
?????????????????????

[ Tell the guy from GSA that the truck brakes are soft... very
hazardous, maybe worth a grievance ;-) -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Mark Lathem <??????????????????>
Subject: Kids...

>The other night while on the patio smoking my Don Tomas Corona out comes my
>son. At first, I thought, he wanted to terrorize the neighbors with his
>police car. Instead he looked at me and said " I got my sdar ( spelling for
>pronunciation ) daddy!". He then sat down and proceeded to talk to me about
>everything he could think of all while puffing away on our stogies. Yes his
>was an imaginary cigar. I think I'll wait till he's five before the real
>intro :). Amazing thing those cigars are when you can get your two year old
>to sit still for twenty minutes or more.
   
My youngest daughter (almost three years old) has the same fascination with
pipes.  She'll crawl into my lap at bedtime with a book for me to read to
her and issue the imperative, "Daddy, you smoke you pipe."  She giggles with
glee when I re-light, as her job is to blow out the matches.
   
I'm considering a group 2 Dunhill shell for her next birthday <G>.

                -= Mark V. Lathem   -=-   ?????????????????? =-
         "I'll smoke a pipe with you with pleasure" --Sherlock Holmes


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????? (Paul J. Ste. Marie)
Subject: Escudo

>From: ?????????????????
>Subject: Escudo
>
>Steve, I have been reading a lot about Escudo on the digest. Exactly what kind
>of tobacco is is and where can it be purchased in the Washington, DC area? I
>enjoy every issue of the Digest and congratulations on doing a great job.
>?????????????????
>
>[ I'd call it an English roll cut, though it's not heavy on latakia as
>I think most English is.  J.R. Cigar has it by mail-order, or John
>B. Hayes (Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA; 703-385-3033) probably should
>too. -S. ]

I wouldn't call it an English at all, at least how I understand the term.  
According to the inner label, it's a blend of Virginia and perique.  It 
certainly doesn't taste like any latakia is present.

To tangent off a bit, how would people here describe an "English" tobacco?  
To my mind English implies Latakia and no casing.  I'd describe tobaccos 
such as Escudo and MacBaren Dark Twist as something else entirely--Virginia 
leaps to mind as a possible term.  I've also heard "Scottish" used to 
describe tobacco with perique and no latakia or casing, but I have no idea 
how correct or accepted that usage is.

        --Paul J. Ste. Marie, ??????????????????????, ???????????????????

[ You're right; Escudo is not an English at all. -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ?????????????????
Subject: Smoking abroad

I am currently planning a two-month trip to Israel, with two stop-overs in
Amsterdam and a week in Greece.  Does anyone have suggestions on where to go
to get good cigars, or where it is acceptable to smoke them?  What
precautions should I take for traveling with cigars?  While I know stores in
Amsterdam sell Cubans, what about Israel and Greece?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Davey ????????????
Dave Goldstein


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Michael Bywater <??????????????????????>
Subject: Re: Pipes Digest #186 -- April 15, 1995

Hi Steve.

First, let me say how much I enjoy the Digest, and thank you for doing a
fine job.

Second, about the general matters arising from this "Kevin" business... you
know, it worries me that the USA seems to be falling into what you might
call a Salem mind-set.  For example, there is a belief in a clear path of
righteousness leading to salvation (smoking being an outward sign of inward
disgrace, for example) and a profound suspicion of human relationships
(e.g., this terrible obsession with child abuse).

I know it's dangerous to criticise other people's societies, but, frankly,
I would feel deeply alarmed to be living in the USA at the moment.
Worrying about passive smoking or a man letting a couple of kids having a
pull on his pipe, when the country is in many ways in a worse state than
poor old Britain, seems to me like a man with a florid melanoma fretting
about a hangnail.  Perhaps it is a sort of dislocation: the real problems
are too great to contemplate, so people focus on trivia.

Maybe I have said this before here.  But, reading the Digest and a.s.m.
regularly, I keep coming away with this feeling that a nation which was
once an exemplar of individual freedom is becoming profoundly repressive,
and its citizens are allowing themselves to be coerced into submission.
Maybe it's as Yeats wrote:

        The best lack all conviction, while the worst
        Are full of passionate intensity...

Not forgetting (and relevant to the "Kevin" question) that the line
immediately preceeding those two read:

        The ceremony of innocence is drowned

When I was 12 years old, my Grandfather (RIP) introduced me to the
pleasures of the pipe: a ceremony of innocence, if you like, which I will
treasure forever. People _do_ act from simple motives; men _can_ love
children without any desire to abuse them; death is _not_ a punishment for
living badly.  And the desire to be fair and "non-judgmental" can lead in
itself to horrible abuses.  We have evolved, or been given by God --
whichever you prefer to believe -- the power of judgment, and to abjure
that power for fear of giving offence (or, more often, simply to avoid the
cacophony of axes being ground) seems to me lamentable.

I don't know whether this is the right forum to ventilate my concern. No. I
_do_ know. _Any_ forum is the right one; because, in the name of some
ill-digested salvation, we are being invited into a benighted age of
purse-lipped intolerance and condemnation in which the old benison "Smoke
in peace" seems more and more to require an introductory "Do you remember
when we could...?"  The anti-smoking movement is just a symptom of a far
more serious disease, which attempts to proscribe AND prescribe how adult
human beings may live.

Finally, a question of priorities.  Passive smoking is nominated as evil of
the moment.  How do its mortality and morbidity tolls compare with the
robbed, the beaten, the raped, the murdered, the abused, the mugged, the
maimed, the disenfranchised and the dispossessed who are victims of passive
drug-abuse?

But I suppose we baccy-heads are more amenable to the rule of law.  And
Philip Morris has an address where writs may be served.  Who do I sue when
a crack addict decides that I'm the one to get stabbed tonight?

Good for the politicians, eh?  It's like watching a man standing on the
stoop wrangling with the Jehovah's Witnesses, while the Manson gang has got
in through the kitchen window and is murdering the family.

Smoke in peace... insofar as you are allowed to.

--Michael Bywater

-----------------------------------------------------
Michael Bywater <??????????????????????> * London WC1
-----------------------------------------------------


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????? (Ted Wagner)
Subject: A few more tobacco musings

Hello all!  Just put down my pipe full of French Vanilla after a rather long
enjoyable smoke to read my PD from this past week.  
I still cannot find a better blend than Champagne.  I think that every
tobacco shop in Indy now has it.  ;-)  My friend at the Lafayette Tobacco
Shop in the Lafayette Square mall always has ample supply for me.

I have tried many blends since I last posted.  (I have also since gotten
married....I guess life can start again at 30...or however you wish to look
at it).  

My other favorite (the above you already know) is (believe it or not) Navy
Flake.  I don't mind Bengal Slices once in a while however.  All other
tobaccos I have samples are usually too sweet and loaded with casings (which
lead to the all too well known pipe gurgles) or they are very bitter, harsh,
and have an aftertaste of charred wood.  Everyone's tastes differ.  But, for
me, I tend to love the mild sweet tobaccos in small bowlfuls (to stay clear
of the casing problem).

Next weekend will be filled with wonderous times and pipefuls as it will be
the start of a new reenacting season.  The cannons will be rolled out, my
corporal stripes have been sewn on, and I am ready to fall in line with my
fellow (although only for a weekend) Virginians of the 1st Rockbridge
Artillery.  Rest assured a pleasantly fed (but beginning to show signs of a
long campaign without much food), moustached corporal will have plenty of
pipefuls for everyone in camp.  ;-)

Now, if anyone out there has seen a dated (19th century or earlier) pipe,
please email me.  By a dated pipe I mean a complete pipe in smoking
condition with a small bowl (about half the size of modern pipes) with a
bowl slightly tilted foward.  One way to date pipes before 1900 was the tilt
of the bowl.  The farther FORWARD a bowl tilts, the older the style of pipe.
I would love to have a smoking antique in my collection.

That is all for now.  Duty calls.  I must destroy a newly made cake that has
invaded my kitchen!  

Ted

____________________________________________________________________________
???????????????????                                     Civil War re-enactor
                         Civil War antique collector                    
============================================================================
"Life is just one damn thing after another!"
"A lot of people voted for Clinton for change, well, we got it alright...
but, that's what's left over....a penny here, a nickle there..."

~Tatter Ted~

      |\      _,,,---,,_
ZZZzz /,`.-'`'    -.  ;-;;,_
     |,4-  ) )-,_. ,\ (  `'-'
    '---''(_/--'  `-'\_)


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????
Subject: Re: #3(3) Pipes Digest #186 -...

Steve, Thanx for the heads up on the Scientific American "expose" on tobacco.
Too bad it was not more balanced..I too will be letting my subscription
lapse. Mayhaps the Editors should change the title to "Politically Correct
American"

Regards,

Robert


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????
Subject: Scientific American

Dear Steve,

I am a faithful reader [and occasional poster] to this list, and in fact my
last post concerned the production of Burley tobacco in my home state,
Kentucky.  I have commented in past posts how much I appreciate your efforts
in maintaining this list, and how much I have enjoyed [and continue to enjoy]
it.

I live in a state that derives considerable income from the production of
cigarettes, and am also a partner in a law firm that regularly represents
tobacco companies.  However, even I cannot ignore the vast evidence showing
the devastating effects of cigarette smoking on the world population.  Many
of these facts and statistics were reported in the Scientific American
article that precipitated your cancellation of your subscription to that
publication.

I am a moderate to light pipe and cigar [primarily cigar] smoker, and believe
that there is little or no adverse health effects from the moderate use of
tobacco in these forms.  However, we cannot bury our heads in the sand and
make believe that all forms of the use of tobacco are equally inocuous.  In
reading the last digest, at least two posters that I recall stated that their
use of pipes and/or cigars had reduced or eliminated their consumption of
cigarettes.  I think this is laudable.

And, despite its searing attack on the cigarette industry, the Scientific
American article does not condemn the moderate smoking of pipes and cigars.
 In fact, one of the opening paragraphs of the article states:

     "Although tobacco use was relatively common in [the nineteenth] century,
it did not produce the widespread illnesses it does today. Individuals of the
time consumed only small amounts, mostly in the form of pipe tobacco, cigars,
chewing tobacco or snuff. Cigarette smoking was rare." 

I find no fault with this statement, nor with the conclusions of the
remainder of the article.  

Yes, I enjoy my pipes and cigars. And, yes, I would like to smoke
occasionally in a public place, an act that has largely been denied me
because of our society's desire to curtail cigarette smoking.  But do I want
to pay [either through taxes or the increased cost of MY health insurance]
for the diseases caused by the overuse of cigarettes??? No.  

And, more importantly, do I want to encourage a practice [particularly in
third world countries] that will both become an expensive addiction to people
who can ill afford it, and ultimately cause the premature illnesses and
deaths of many of these people??? Again, no. 

I once heard a minister give a sermon on the difference between things that
are to be "used," as in used for a particular purpose, and things that are to
be "enjoyed."  He gave wine as an example of something to be enjoyed.
 Obviously, if wine is "used" as a drug, as a crutch to get someone through
the day, severe problems will occur.  I think tobacco is in the same
category.  If enjoyed, in moderation, it can be wonderful.  If "used," as
many people use cigarettes as a drug to get them through their days, the
result will be equally disastrous.

Steve, keep up the good work.  This is not a "flame," or a personal attack; I
just wanted to share my views.  And I hope you won't cancel your subscription
to Scientific American. Though, with it on America Online . . . . I find no
need to buy paper issues of it anymore!!!

Peace,

Bob

[ Bob, I agree with your points. But what, exactly, did the
Sci. Am. article say should be done? Was there in it a hint of
tolerance? -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????????????? (Philip Henry Burrus IV)

An inexpensive good humidor!!!

To anyone interested in a cheap way to kee cigars fresh:

I am a starving college student at Georgia Tech working on my master's
degree who loves good cigars. I recently found a company here in
Atlanta who makes inexpensive good humidors. They sell a black lacquer
box with spring action hinges hinges which comes with a humidifier
that works better than a credo! The whole package sells for something
like $24 and they ship free. The box is called "Cigarstor" and it
works like a champ. The company is:

                Concept IV
                1039 Lenox Crest
                Atlanta, Georgia  30324
                (404) 237-6370
        fax     (404) 237-7340

Hope the info comes in handy!

Philip Burrus
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Michael Silver <????????????????>
Subject: Intro

Steve:

I have read the last several issues of PD and would like to now 
introduce myself to the group. I live outside of Las Cruces, New Mexico 
at the foot of the Organ Mountains which are part of the Southern 
Rockies. My wife and children and I moved here two years ago from New 
Jersey, where we had lived for fourteen years and prior to that in 
Philadelphia, Penna. We love the weather and lack of the big city rat 
race. The air is clean and when we want to see the 'big city' we drive 45 
minutes east to El Paso, Texas. I have smoked pipes on and off for many 
years. I enjoy the relaxation and sweet smelling aromas of the tobacco. 
When I sit in my home office and look out at the surrounding mountains 
and landscape it does make for an enjoyable time. I am retired and fill 
my time with classes at the local community college, studying Computer 
Technology, especially the repair and upgrading of PC's. I have worked 
with computers since 1981 and decided to take courses to fill in the gaps 
of my knowledge level in different areas so that I could start my own Pc 
repair business to supplement my retirement income. I enjoy mild 
tobacco's and will try any pipe that strikes my fancy and does'nt dent my 
pocket.

Well that is enough for now. I would enjoy hearing from any of you out 
there with similar interests.

Mike Silver

P.S. I just want you to know Steve that I think that you are running a 
first rate newsgroup and are doing what I feel to be a very professional 
job. You obviously enjoy it. It shows.

[ I do enjoy it! Even with the occasional brouhaha. Welcome! -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ????????????????
Subject:  World's Strongest Tobacco.

Steve,  I was interested in getting a bit of dialogue going on what pipe
smokers think is the worlds strongest tobacco.  I have smoked  St Brunos,
Erinmore, Hayle o'the Wynds(sp), but I believe that Condor has my vote.  How
about the rest of you.  Curiously, a strong tobacco rarely has a bite.  What
think the rest of you.


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????
Subject: My $.02 worth

                                                       Mon. Apr.17, '95
                                                       10 p.m.
Hi Steve,

I haven't written in awhile so figured I'd drop you a line.  I just managed
to get all 3 kids off to bed (my wife's a nurse & is working nights right
now), and I'm sitting here with a glass of Bass ale and a freshly-lit bowl of
Dunhill #965 in my largest Peterson, with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Budweiser sleeping at my feet.  Also, I've got the day off tomorrow so I
don't have to worry about getting up early.  Life doesn't get much better
than this!

I really enjoy getting the Digest each week and have gotten to be e-mail
friends with several members.  In general, the people I've corresponded with
are some of the most civilized, friendly people I've ever met--true gentlemen
in every sense of the word.  I look forward to logging onto my computer each
day to check my mail.  One Digest member I heard from this week is named
Nanosh Lucas (he's posted a couple of things recently also).  If you're ever
in need of a good reconditioned pipe I'd seriously consider getting in touch
with him (at ????????????????).  I've got my heart set on a particular
Upshall of his right now, which I hope will still be available when I can
scrape together the $$.  His descriptions are very detailed, the prices sound
fair, and he seems very conscientious and helpful.

My favorite tobaccos are Dunhill #965 and Early Morning Pipe.  Although I
don't experiment with new tobaccos all that often (I tend to stay with what I
know I'll like), my curiousity is piqued by all the talk about different
blends.  Can anyone recommend something similar (tinned, preferably), with
perhaps even slightly more latakia than the above-listed varieties?

Well, enough rambling for now.  Keep the bowl lit and the Digest coming!

Joe Hurley
Baltimore, Md.

[ And see Nanosh's letter earlier. -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Mark Lathem <??????????????????>
Subject: Fixing loose stems

I hought I'd take a moment to share a recent experience on fixing loose
vulcanite stems.  Many folks have written in the past regarding the 
most common procedure:  run a pipe cleaner through the stem to keep 
the airhole open, heat the end of the tenon with a flame and press it
against a flat surface, then sand to fit.
   
Maybe I was under a mistaken impression, but I thought these folks were
advocating actually *melting* the tenon slightly.  I had a mental
picture of a finished tenon that would have a slight "bead" at the end
after this procedure.  While I like to think that my manual dexterity is
at least average, I was too nervous to try this procedure myself, even
though I had two pipes with dangerously loose stems.
   
Anyway, a small antique store provided me with a $2.00 Iwan Ries pipe
that was in good shape, except for a loose stem.  (It also gave me a
Tilshead for $6.00, but that's another story.)  Having learned many
other life lessons at far greater cost than just a couple of bucks, I
decided to give it a go.  Instead of going for a drastic expansion of
the stem and then sanding to final shape I decided to slowly expand the
tenon until it fit.  I found that by heating the mid-portion of the
tenon only slightly and pressing very firmly it is possible to cause the
tenon to expand imperceptibly (to the eye); there is no need for a pipe 
cleaner or other aid to keep the airhole open.  I allowed the stem to 
cool *completely* before attempting to insert it into the shank.  After 

three or four heatings the stem fit snugly and the repair is absolutely 
undetectable.  I have since repaired the original two loose-stemmed 
pipes, each as easily and invisibly as the first.  Again, I heated the 
tenon only slightly:  the tenon was hot to the touch, but I could touch 
it to my cheek without burning.  I worked *very* slowly and patiently.
Also, each of these pipes had a vulcanite stem--I don't know if a
similar procedure would work with lucite, but I doubt it.
   
A side note on how I *think* these stems became loose in the first place,
as I don't want others to share this rather uncomfortable experience:

I was in the habit of cleaning the interior of pipe shanks with a piece
of Kleenex or toilet paper, twisting one corner and then "winding" it
tightly into the mortise to remove gunk.  I now think that the tightly
wound paper must exert sufficient force (or be sufficiently abrasive) 
to widen the mortise, leaving the stem loose.  Since I *never* remove 
a stem until the pipe has completely cooled, and only then very 
carefully, I can think of no other cause.  In any event, nothing will 
enter the shank of my pipes in the future except pipe cleaners and shank 
brushes.

                -= Mark V. Lathem   -=-   ?????????????????? =-
         "I'll smoke a pipe with you with pleasure" --Sherlock Holmes

[ Careful; if you squish out the stem too much you may crack the
shank. I know. :-( -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????????? (DAVID FRASE)
Subject: Pipes Digest #186 -- April 15, 1995

Steve;

Can you send me that report about environmental smoke? You can mail it
to me at ???????????????????????? I will be happy to post it in
Synergy's cigar forum. Also if you know of anyone who needs a home to
run their cigar or pipe home page let me know. I am trying to expand
Synergy's Cigar forum and I am currently looking for someone to help me.

Thanks Steve and keep up the good work.....Dave Frase

[ Bliley report sent, and still available to other members. -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????? (Nanosh J. Lucas)

Just wanted to let everyone know that in case you are looking for Ewha's
book, Pulver's Prior Briar of San Francisco has it for $50.  If anyone
would like any more information, please contact me at ????????????????

Nanosh J. Lucas
333 N. Rengstorff Ave. Apt #25
Mountain View, CA  94303


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????? (Nanosh J. Lucas)
Subject: LARGE PIPES

At Pulvers Prior Briar (Sherlock's Haven), we have lots & lots of large,
very large, and humongous pipes - all from 1 collection of 1400 pipes -
mostly large.  Name your brand, style, and price range...

If you would like more information, please contact me at ????????????????

Nanosh J. Lucas
333 N. Rengstorff Ave. Apt #25
Mountain View, CA  94303


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Bill Unger <???????????????????????????????>
Subject: Resource Guide Update

Steve, here are some corrections/additions for the Resource Guide.
1. Nikos Levin's new address is NML Pipes Direct, PO Box 31194, Palm Beach
Gardens FL 33420.
2. You might want to note that Steve & Roswitha Andersons S&R Woodcrafts
is also a full-service pipe and cigar shop in addition to their own custom
carving.
3. Denny Soeurs, PO Box 28712, Columbus OH 43228, 614/876-0790 is a custom
carver, solely of freehands, I think.
3. Steve Weiner of the Cleveland area (216/235-9338) is a custom carver,
mainly of standard shapes.  He uses plateau briar and his own curing
process and produces a very fine pipe.
4. Bob Ciriachi of Mastercraft Cabinets, 2240 Case Rd., Columbus OH 43224
(614/478/1661) hand builds pipe cases (hardwoods, glass doors, two or three
rows inside each holding a dozen pipes) of great beauty and high quality. 
Both Barclay Pipe & Tobacco and S&R in Columbus carry his product.  He is
currently moving into the production of high-quality cigar humidors.

If you've got one pipe, you're a pipe smoker.  If you've got more than
one, you're a pipe collector.
Bill Unger
Secretary, Ohio Pipe Collectors

[ Had a few of those in the Guide already, but a few not. Thanks! -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: "Louis S. Kidder" <?????????????????????????>
Subject: Pipes Digest Misc.

Steve,

I thought the readership might get a kick out of this (reprinted in Nature (vol
374) 30 March 1995):

Cecil Carus-Wilson writes:

"I have discovered a new method for cleaning tobacco pipes which have
become foul.  A shallow cork, through which a hole is bored large
enough to enable it to fit tightly on to the nozzle of a soda-water
syphon, is fitted onto the bowl.  The nozzle is inserted, the
mouth-piece directed into a vessel, about a wine-glassful of
soda-water forced through and the pipe is clean!  This is not a
scientific discovery, but it may be of use to those scientific men who
are smokers.  Rubber stoppers answer better than corks."

-From Nature 28 March 1895

[Administrativa deleted. -S. ]

Thanks.

Lou Kidder
~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????
Subject: Best pipe under $50?

This question confronted me several years ago after inheiriting and starting
to smoke some classic pipes from my father, followed by picking up some
modern freehand pipes at flea markets and antique stores. While I had bought
a couple of high quality pipes when  in Europe on business many years ago, I
wasn't smoking them regularly and didn't have adequate experience at
breaking-in then. 

In looking for a new pipe to buy and break-in I was disapointed. The
affordable ones were the flawed seconds or lower lines and didn't compare to
the quality of my pre-smoked pipes. Today the high quality pipes that I
desire are at over $200 each, so I still have not bought a new pipe at a shop
for the last 10 years. I have over 300 pipes in my collection and some are
unsmoked, received from trading with other collectors who bought them new. I
buy several pipes each month and I have very rarely paid more than $50 for
 the highest quality pre-smoked pipe.

I think the pre-smoked pipes are the best bargain by far! Of course it helps
if you have the skill to refurbish and santitize old pipes or buy from
someone who can. As a result of periodically thinning out my collection, I
have over 100 nice pipes available ($14 to $45) and have been occassionally
selling or trading them by E-mail with full satisfaction because they are
quality pipes, well cleaned  and sanitized and are offered at a small
increase over my original low purchase price with inspection/refund
privileges. This gives me spending money to pick up brands not already in the
collection. Let me know if you would be interested in pre-smoked pipes; I can
even put you on to the leading collectors if I don't have the brands or
styles you desire. In the meantime, thanks for your attention and I'll look
forward to hearing from you. Regards,.....Rex


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????? (Ed Berggren)
Subject: Reminiscences

  Thanks, Steve, for the back issues you sent me last week--good reading!
And thanks for responding to my request so quickly.

  Reading all the various pipe smoking stories and anecdotes brought back
to mind my earliest attempts to smoke a pipe.  They were, looking back on
it now, quite comical (or perhaps pathetic is the word I'm looking for).

  When I was in junior high school I acquired by devious means a drugstore
pipe of some kind and a package of Cherry blend tobacco.  Of course, I knew
absolutely nothing about pipe smoking.  In fact, about the only thing I
thought I knew about smoking at all, was my mistaken conviction that
cigarette filters kept all the bad stuff away from the smoker.  Well, my
new pipe didn't have a filter like that, just some kind of metal
thingamabob.  So, what I did was remove the metal thingey and stuffed the
better part of a cosmetic puff into the smoke hole of the shank, replaced
the stem and, voila!  A filtered pipe!  Of course, you had to have the
lungs of a Highland bagpiper to draw on the thing, so I soon became
frustrated in my attempts to put in the tobacco and actually light it.
After a few unsatisfactory bowlfuls, I believe I buried pipe and pouch out
in the back yard so my mother wouldn't find it (she did not like 13-year
old boys smoking in any form whatsoever.  She obviously hadn't read the
1964 Surgeon General's report indicating that pipe smokers lived longer
than non-smokers).

  Now we move forward to 1971 to age 20.  By this time I had smoked
cigarettes for several years, but I was once again visited by the urge to
take up pipe smoking.  The drugstore I visited to buy my pipe and tobacco
had, astonishing as it may seem today, a resident tobaconnist--one of the
owners who smoked and so had stocked a moderate selection of briars and
tobacco blends.  I, of course, was expecting to spend no more than about
$5.00 for pipe, tobacco, and all, but he was shocked at the idea of anyone
smoking a _drugstore_ pipe.  Instead he provided me with a pipe that cost,
as I recall, about $10 and a couple ounces of one of his blends.  What he
didn't provide were instructions on how to smoke the blessed thing.  I
cheerfully tripped along home, gravity filled the bowl, and set a match to
it.  Now, whereas during my first pipe smoking adventure, I had no draw
whatsoever, this time around I had too much.  I think I actually sucked in
the flame itself.  A few shards of tobacco began smoldering and I puffed
furiously to keep them lit--to no avail, of course.  So I struck another
match and tried again...and again...and again.  About the only thing I
actually smoked were the matches.  This went on for a couple of bitterly
frustrating weeks, before I once again gave up.

  Fortunately, as they say, the third time's the charm.  In 1977, the lady
who was to become my first wife did just about the only good thing for me
that I can remember--she took me to a local tobacconist to get me started
in pipe smoking, figuring that it would be better for me than cigarettes.
This time it caught!  For one thing, I was older and wiser now, and managed
to ask questions and I went to the local libraries where they had copies of
"The Pipe" by Georges Herment and "The Book of Pipes and Tobacco" by Carl
Ehwa.  A little research, a little practice, and I've been smoking pipes
ever since.

  Now I've regaled you all with stories from my long-lost youth, I've got a
question for the PD readership.  Years ago I acquired a useful gadget
called a pipe cap.  It was basically, a bit of rubber molded so that it
would fit snuggly over the top of standard-shaped pipe and it served to
keep ash and tobacco from spilling out when the pipe was placed away in a
pocket.  I don't remember where I got it and would dearly love to get
another.  Does anyone out there know where one can find a pipe cap?  If so,
please e-mail me at ?????????????????  I've made a substitute using a wind
cap with the holes blocked with a bit of cut-up note card, but it doesn't
always stay on, so it's not nearly so satisfactory.

  Well, that's all for now (and the whispers echo back over the Internet,
"Thank _God_!).


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: RC Hamlin/PCCA <???????????????????????>
Subject: Ashton Story

The Ashton Pipe Story 
by. R. C. Hamlin 
 
I wrote the original copy of the Ashton Story in November 1988, 
revised it in January 1990, and have added a few "1994 updates" to 
the end of this issue. I hope that you enjoy learning why Ashton 
pipes are considered by many as the best England has to offer pipe 
smokers. Please feel free to post question and/or comments to me on 
the board. Please feel free to copy/print this article for your 
personal usage, however I will reserve the copyright of The Ashton 
Story for any commercial purpose. 
 
************** 
 
The Ashton pipe is fairly well known in today's pipe smoking 
circles.  Ashton pipes, in fact, do sell very well in all of the 
markets that they are in and are always in short supply.  What 
perhaps is not so well known is that this is a very new brandname 
that has only been in existence since 1983.  In these first years of 
production the Ashton pipe has progressed from an idea, to 
production, to possibly the most sought after and best crafted 
English high grade on the market.  The brand is now distributed not 
only in the United States but in England, Italy and Germany with the 
United States and Germany being Ashton's best markets. 
 
How could a new brand, especially an English brand considering the 
recent fortune of some of the other English makers, make it to the 
top of its industry in such a short while?  Basically by creating a 
better "mousetrap" that delivers as it promises.  While the 
brandname may be new there is a wealth of experience behind the 
brand.  This experience along with a burning desire to make the 
finest pipes on today's market have created the richly deserved 
success of Ashton Pipes - one that will continue to evolve in the 
years to come.  This is the story of their creator - Mr. William 
John Ashton Taylor, their catalyst and marketer - Mr. R. David Field 
and perhaps their most important attribute, you their smoker. 
 
Alfred Dunhill and his innovative ideas concerning the production of 
briar pipes is perhaps the single most important event in modern 
pipe smoking history.  Perhaps if Alfred Dunhill had not gone into 
the Tobacconist profession in 1910 and into the production of pipes 
in 1913, someone else would have modernized the curing of briar.  
However, no other person or company had, at least until then, really 
thought about how to make a briar pipe taste good, nor had anyone 
outside of St. Claude (France) truly set out to actually produce 
high grade briar pipes.  Alfred Dunhill pioneered this idea and for 
many years continued to purchase his bowls from France.  Where 
Dunhill differed was that after he received these bowls he cured the 
wood so that they were no longer "just" French bowls, but cured 
bowls to which he added his brandname and his finishing. 
 
The Dunhill story is much longer and full of new principles as far 
as how to produce a quality briar smoking pipe, but this is not a 
story about Dunhill.  This story is about a modern day pioneer that 
was in fact introduced to the Dunhill manufacturing process and the 
idea behind it, as an employee of Alfred Dunhill, Ltd. of London for 
almost three decades.  The result is the Ashton pipe as we see it 
today, full of innovations, made to be the best handmade smoking 
pipe possible and continuing to mature toward something even better.  
 
There are many parallels that can be made between Alfred Dunhill and 
William John Ashton Taylor as their ideas and ambition are similar.  
While perhaps Alfred Dunhill was more of the merchant and Mr. Taylor 
is more of the craftsman, both are very important in the evolution 
of pipes and this article will point this out occasionally. 
 
William John Ashton Taylor was born in 1945 into a world of virtual 
chaos in Britain, one that had suffered the full force of World War 
II not only in damage to its economy and population, but from years 
of bombing raids to London and the surrounding area.  The post war 
era was not an easy one and this is exactly the time and environment 
in which William Taylor (Bill) was raised.  In 1959, at the age of 
14 and while still pursuing his education, Bill applied for and was 
granted an apprenticeship with Alfred Dunhill of London. 
 
England was still rebuilding from the war in Europe and I don't know 
how hard employment was to come by in that post war time, but a job 
at the Dunhill Pipe Factory offered employment and training in a 
skilled trade.  The first year of training (during his 
apprenticeship) was spent hand crafting cigarette holders.  The next 
17 years were spent making briar pipes, with the last 9 of this 17 
acting as the foreman or supervisor.  This "production" time was 
followed by 7 years of management responsibilities involving quality 
control of pipes and tobacco, product development duties while 
maintaining the title of "Quality Control Manager".   
 
Bill used his skill in pipemaking to give demonstrations in the Duke 
Street Dunhill store (plus most of the other Dunhill sales locations 
in London such as Harrods, etc.).  In 1984, after 25+ years learning 
and practicing his "skilled trade", William John Ashton Taylor left 
the security of Alfred Dunhill to pursue his life long dream of 
owning and operating his own company. 
 
The Ashton pipe was an exciting entry onto the United States market 
in 1983.  With Bill Taylor's experience in quality control, 
development of pipes and tobacco and in not only his learned pipe 
making skills, but the secrets that were taught to him by those that 
he apprenticed under, the Ashton pipe would have to succeed.  Things 
are never as simple as they seem and without the intervention, 
encouragement and financial backing of Mr. R. David Field, Bill 
Taylor would not have left Dunhill in 1984 and the Ashton pipe as we 
know it today would not exist. 
 
David Field was an American Dunhill collector and student of pipe 
making, pipe usage, tobacco and their history.  In the early 1980's 
David made several trips to England and Italy in search of knowledge 
and artisan pipemakers to share in their knowledge, as well as learn 
as much as possible about pipes and tobacco firsthand.  In England 
David spent considerable time searching out information on Dunhill 
pipes and spent time visiting the Dunhill Archives, along with 
several tours of the Dunhill pipe making operation. 
 
During one of David's London visits, he attended a pipemaking 
demonstration hosted by Bill Taylor and saw firsthand the precision 
and skill that this "Quality Control Manager" processed.  David 
purchased every Taylor Made pipe (as they were called) that he could 
get his hands on and became consumed with not only the product, but 
with its producer and his skill.  After David returned to 
Philadelphia and with a small assortment of freshly produced "Taylor 
Made" pipes, the idea of marketing this line in the United states 
grew to the point that David knew that he had to act on the idea.  
 
To import and market a complete new line of pipes, especially an 
English brand to compete with Dunhill and Charatan, was not an easy 
quest.  The quality of these Taylor Made pipes was special though 
and would succeed if properly introduced to the American smoker 
along with carefully planning of quality control and production.  Up 
until now David had purchased a few handmade pipes on his travels to 
Italy and England, these he sold to friends and collectors to help 
defray the cost of his trip(s).  The marketing of Taylor Made pipes 
was not just a few pieces to a few friends, but the idea just would 
not leave him alone. 
 
David decided to contact this craftsman that we had witnessed in 
London and while he knew his name to be William Taylor, he didn't 
have an address or phone number.  A letter was written to William 
Taylor, care of Dunhill of London and marked PERSONAL.  This was 
mailed and did get to Bill, but only after it was inadvertently read 
by Bill's supervisor at Dunhill.  The letter was brief and basically 
said "Mr. Taylor, I would like to sell the pipes you are making in 
America - Please contact me as soon as possible at (address & phone 
number)."  David's letter almost got Bill Taylor fired from Dunhill 
and necessitated a personal conference between Bill and his 
administrator in which Bill had to explain his involvement with 
someone that he did not know and in a letter that he had not seen.  
During this conference Bill read the letter, noted the phone number 
on it assured his supervisor that he was not interested in the 
offer.  Later that same day Bill Taylor placed a call to 
Philadelphia; Ashton pipes were soon to become a reality.   
 
Bill Taylor had actually started, in 1980, a small "one man" repair 
business under the name of Briarwoods of London.  This repair 
business specialized in the repair of Antique Meerschaum pipes for 
the quality pipe stores of London and expanded into briar pipe 
repairs soon thereafter.  Bill's repair business was done more as a 
hobby than as a means of income, but being that there was already a 
business set up and in place, the creation of Ashton Pipes was made 
a little easier. 
 
In 1984 Bill Taylor left the security of Dunhill and set out to 
create the Ashton Pipe that would be introduced in the United States 
by David Field.  This was not an easy thing for Bill to do since he 
had a wife and two small children to support.  Bill's position at 
Dunhill not only held security, but there was already a career and 
certainly a future guaranteed.  Possibly the deciding factor for 
Bill was that David offered to advance a full year's pay as start up 
money.  With this assurance, Bill Taylor resigned his position at 
Alfred Dunhill and the Ashton pipe was born. 
 
The driving force behind the production of Ashton pipes was that 
Bill could take the knowledge that he had obtained during his 25+ 
years at Dunhill and improve the process to produce even a better 
smoking line of pipes.  David would take care of distribution in the 
United States and would take every pipe that Bill produced.  Each 
Ashton pipe was to be hand turned and not machine fraised as Dunhill 
pipes were and each would be oil cured with a new and improved 
process that went beyond that of Dunhill's system.  The early years 
of 1984 and 1985 were not without their problems and as most 
companies find out, turning ideas into reality is not as simple as 
it may seem. 
 
The first problem was to turn a small repair shop into a fully 
operational pipe making facility.  Equipment had to be purchased, a 
continual supply of high quality briar had to be found, stem 
material had to be stocked and if these start up problems were not 
enough, production had to get under way as soon as possible.  The 
balance of 1984 (after Bill had left Dunhill) saw very few Ashton 
pipes actually being produced and those that were tended to be on 
the smaller side.  In 1985 the new Ashton "factory" became fully 
functional and saw Bill's ideas of making the finest English briar 
pipe on today's market become a reality.  This too, created 
unforseen problems for this new operation.  The curing process had 
to be perfected which required experimentation with the blend of 
oils used to "oil cure", the time frame for processing the briar and 
with the temperature in which the briar would cure properly, but not 
harm the wood. 
 
All of these experiments took place during the actual production of 
Ashton pipe manufacturer and of all of the pieces that have been 
returned as poor smokers, most are from the 1985 era.  The final 
"perfect" time frame for curing - ended up as 14 days on the heat 
plugs.  Before I go on with this history I want to take a few lines 
to explain - the oil curing method and why the Ashton pipe, by using 
this method, is unique. 
 
The Ashton pipe is Oil Cured using Alfred Dunhill's original concept 
of forcing oil through the briar with heat.  This process cleans the 
wood of sap residue and makes the break in process easier.  The 
Ashton oil cure takes this concept a step further and uses a "blend" 
of three different oils, all with various properties.  The pipes are 
soaked in a oil bath until the wood has absorbed as much as possible 
(of the oil blend).  The briar is then placed on copper Heat Plugs 
for 14 days with the temperature raised and lowered thus forcing the 
oil through the wood.  The end result is a clean piece of briar with 
all of the extra sap, and its bitterness, removed.  In its place 
there is a slight internal coating of the oils which "flavor" the 
briar with a nutty or wood taste. 
 
The problems with using this timely and expensive process is that 
many of the bowls crack and those that do stand up to the treatment 
typically have sand marks pushed to the surface with the flow of the 
oil under heat.  As a result there are very few smooth Ashton pipes 
produced with straight grains being extremely rare in smooth.  If 
the curing process goes on too long or at too high a temperature, 
the fibers of the wood break down and "over cook" which causes a 
burned tasted along with a very high percentage of cracked bowls.   
An equal but opposite problem is created by curing at too low a 
temperature or for too short a period of time.  In this case the 
wood is left heavy with oils which causes a wet smoke without the 
nutty flavor, plus the bowls tend to run heavy for their size.  Much 
of early 1985 was spent perfecting this process which is now as 
efficient as possible, although the problem of producing a higher 
percentage of smooth Ashton cured bowls has not been resolved. 
 
In 1986 the Ashton "pipeworks" was up and running at full steam with 
hungry American smokers lusting for additional supplies of this new 
brand.  During this period, close to 100% of Bill's pipes were still 
coming to the United States (1 shop in London had a few Ashton 
pipes).  The reputation of the line was growing and additional 
markets were looked into including Italy and Germany.  These would 
start to see a few pieces in late 1985 (early 1986) and would 
continue to grow in demand through present day, although the United 
States still enjoys the greater part of Bill Taylor's production. 
 
Currently over 40% of the Ashton pipes produced in 1988 will go to 
the United States, 30% to Germany, 20% are sold in the U.K. and 10% 
are offered to Italy.  All of these markets have developed within 
the last several years and all have the same complaint -"Send more 
pipes".   
 
1986 could be probably be marked as the year that Bill turned the 
corner and became a major player in modern English pipe production.  
A new (and expensive) sandblasting machine was purchased and Ashton 
Pipes sponsored the first Ashton Pipe festival in London for the 
American pipe dealers attending the Dunhill PPD event in London.   
There has always been a shortage of these high quality pipes and in 
1986, on the night before the Ashton show in London, the whole 
"crew" worked into the early morning hours finishing pieces to 
display for dealers the next morning.  A large display of several 
hundred pieces were offered the festival attenders, many were unique 
designs created for the show. 
 
During 1985 when Bill was experimenting with curing and getting his 
new business off the ground, he took time to experiment with a new 
process of finishing briar.  This process was reserved for special 
blocks of briar that held such tight and dense grain that they would 
produce heavy pipes.  It was the density of these blocks that caused 
the problem of weight though and not the age.  Once these special 
blocks of briar had been cured they were still too heavy to please 
most users.  With "standard" grade briar this extra weight could be 
blasted away with slightly increased blasting pressure.  With extra 
dense briar, if the pressure of the sandblaster was turned up to 
blast away extra wood, the dense grain was blasted away also.  The 
wood had to be saved as it was some of the very best as far as its 
smoking attributes and so Mr. William John Ashton Taylor set out to 
correct this problem and in the process once again followed the foot 
steps of Alfred Dunhill in his innovative thinking.   
 
Bill's solution was special, so much so that he filed for an English 
Patent for his new process on June 21, 1985 and this patent was 
approved and granted July 6, 1988.  This new process of finishing a 
smoking pipe bowl was the first "pipe manufacturing" inventions 
granted an English patent in over 20 years.  As with most patented 
ideas, Bill's process while functional, is not that difficult. 
 
Basically the bowls are cured like any other Ashton pipe bowl by 
soaking them in oil, cured with heat over time and then subjecting 
the outer surface to a high pressure jet of steam that raises and 
swells the softer grain on the bowl.  This softer grain is 
"rusticated" or carved away (but not the hard dense grain) before 
the pipe is sandblasted.  Between the carving and sandblasting these 
"Pebble Shell" pipes lose 20 to 25% of their weight and yet they 
keep 100% of their beneficial grain.   
 
There were less than 24 "Shells" produced in 1985 and 1986; these 
were marked Pat. Pend.  1987 saw few if any Ashton Shells.  In early 
1988 there were less than 10 produced that not only included the 
newly issued patent number but an extra single digit (1,2,3 etc.) 
that denoted that these were the very first "patented" Ashton Pebble 
Shell pipes produced.  Number 3 from this first group is in my 
personal collection of pipes. 
 
At this point you may start to understand why I consider Bill Taylor 
to be someone very special as far as a pipemaker and his products.  
Bill's current "factory" has just relocated to a new unit (as he 
calls it), which is still only 1200 SF in size.  This new unit will 
allow the Ashton pipe to be made in a more uniform way with every 
bit of the operation carried out in pre-assigned areas.  Currently 
Ashton produces his pipes in 3 basic finishes, although several 
variations of these are in the works. 
 
The Pebble Grain is a sandblasted finish that is usually stained 
black with deep red highlights, although some are brown stained.  
The Brindle finish is a dark brown stained sandblast that is matched 
with a brown colored vulcanite mouthpiece.  The patented Pebble 
Shell and Brindle Shell are sandblasted and carved finishes similar 
in color to other sandblasted models.  All 1988 and later "Shell's" 
will include the patented number 2176742 within their nomenclature.  
Smooth finished Ashton pipes are graded as either Sovereign or SG (1 
to 5) for graded straight grains.  Smooth Ashton pipes are golden 
colored with waxed bowls and can have either black or brown 
vulcanite mouthpieces. 
 
The nomenclature on Ashton pipes will include the series (Sovereign, 
Pebble Shell, etc) a "size" (explained a little later in this 
section), a year date (4=1984, 5=1985, 6=1986, etc.) the brandname 
(Ashton) and the point of origin (England).  The Ashton logo is a 
"Dunhill Spot" which is actually an inlaid briar dot on the top of 
the handcut mouthpiece. 
 
One area that stands out with Ashton pipes is how Bill has taken the 
basic idea of a "rod stock" mouthpiece a little farther than 
Dunhill.  Rod stock means that the mouthpiece is formed from a solid 
rod of hard rubber (vulcanite) rather than preformed or molded 
blanks (cast stock).  These rods are about four feet in length 
before they are cut for stems and are about one inch wide.  The rod 
is cut into 3 or 4 inch lengths and then cured by boiling.  This 
process removes the sulfur from the surface of the hard rubber stem 
material which in turn makes a harder mouthpiece that resists 
discoloration.  Mouthpieces are formed using drills and files, each 
custom fit to match the bowl in both size and shape. 
 
Like Dunhill, Ashton grades his pipes by their size and in the case 
of the SG straight grains, by grain.  Both smooth and sandblasted 
models are available in 1X (Dunhill group 3 or 4), 2X (group 4 or 
5), 3X (group 5 or 6) and LX (group 6 or ODA size).  By theory the 
other sizes produced by Bill Taylor come in both smooth and 
sandblasted but in actuality, these are only available in non-smooth 
pieces.  The ELX is an extra large size, usually reserved for 
standard shaped pipes.  The "Magnum" and its variations are extra, 
extra large classic shaped pipes that while limited in production to 
less than 20 pieces per year, are very special and unique to the 
Ashton line. 
 
While Magnums are expensive, they offer an outstanding smoking 
experience as the amount of cured briar included with each piece is 
extensive.  Ashton first produced Magnums in a series of 
"Presentation Pipes" housed in custom fitted wood cases.  These 
presentation "Magnums" were not stamped magnum.  The true graded 
Magnum series followed with Magnum "S" (smaller, but still extra 
large) and standard Magnums.  There have also been several "Double 
Magnums" produced which are extremely large examples, although there 
is no additional nomenclature that denotes their extra size. 
 
One of the major problems in producing quality pipes, expecially 
those that are as carefully produced as the Ashton line, is in the 
availability of highly skilled craftsmen to create the line.  When 
Bill went out on his own in 1984 he was depending on his skill and 
experience to produce the pipes that carry his trademark.  However, 
the demand of his line quickly exceeded any capacity that he alone 
could produce and additional craftsmen were needed to increase 
production. Currently the Ashton pipe is produced by the joint 
effort of Jeffrey Mills (stems), Mrs. Y. Mills (finishing), Frank 
Lincoln (total pipe maker - all facets), Sid Cooper (bowl turning, 
with 50+ years experience) and of course Bill Taylor, who is a total 
pipe maker with over 28 years experience. [See note at end revising 
current Ashton employees.] 
 
Within this family, each has a primary skill, however all are able 
to work all of the phases and as a rule, each will work on each 
Ashton pipe.  What this means is that the creation of an Ashton pipe 
is not just the work of one skilled craftsman, but a joint effort of 
all.  This joint effort allows each craftsman to take pride in the 
finished product with each knowing that his skill is a part of the 
final results. 
 
What about the future of Ashton pipes?  In the first years of 
production Bill Taylor has advanced the "Dunhill" process of 
producing a pipe, using his modifications of oil curing, stem 
curing, hand turning bowls, hand making pipe stems, creating a new 
and patented finishing process and added pipe tobacco and cigars to 
his family of products.  Is this all, or are there other ideas in 
the wings? 
 
New products are coming including a new "Tan Shell" light colored 
sandblasted finish which will be called OLD CHURCH (hopefully 
sometime in early 1989).  The Ashton Cigar line is being expanded 
and tobacco line is being expanded to 10 different blends.  Smoking 
cabinets, pouches, special presentation sets and an increased supply 
of patented Pebble Shell pipes should be arriving within the near 
future and after that, who knows? 
 
When asked about his personal and company philosophy William John 
Ashton Taylor responded by saying "To maintain the highest quality 
standards and to be one of the very few true pipe makers. Meaning 
that I start by selecting the briar from the sawmill, age the briar, 
select the best block for a shape, cut and turn the bowl, cure the 
turned shape, handcraft a mouthpiece to a perfect balance, stain and 
finish the pipe and create as near as perfect pipe as I can with all 
of my heart."  It is also the intention of this new company to 
expand into new areas with the same dedication to quality that they 
have shown in their short history. 
 
William Taylor's story is just starting to be told as his "life's 
dream" of owning his own company has come about, and yet is only a 
few years old.  Today's Ashton pipe is as fine a product as can be 
produced in terms of materials and construction.  The end result is 
a handmade smoking pipe that while unique in their individuality, 
are made to be tasted and enjoyed.  The Ashton company is one in 
which production in numbers will always be second to production of 
quality.  One in which the craftsmen behind the final product take 
pride in their work, along with how you judge their efforts. 
 
While it is true that Bill Taylor was trained by Dunhill and learned 
his trade from the company that started high grade pipe 
manufacturer, he has continued to advance these principles of pipe 
making to a new level of excellence.  From a 15 year old apprentice 
turning cigarette holders in 1959 to England's most sought after 
pipe manufacturer in 1989.  The Ashton success story may be a dream 
come true for Bill Taylor, but it is also a pipe smokers success 
story.  Your acceptance and smoking enjoyment of the Ashton pipe is 
the true meaning of success to William John Ashton Taylor and to 
this end he has dedicated his company's efforts.  In today's market 
philosophy, this too is a rare and innovative idea. 
 
END of Original ASHTON Story 
 
*************************** 
 
Update to the Ashton Story from 1990-94 
 
The new Ashton Old Church Tan Shell finish went into full production 
in 1989 with less than 50 pieces produced during the first year.  
Old Church, by the way is the name of the Street that where the 
Ashton Unit is located. The Old church finish is a non-stained 
natural tan color that is moderately dark for a natural finish.  
This darkening is caused by the oil curing process that "cooks" the 
wood.  There is no additional staining or finish added to the Old 
Church, although a slight wax finish is added to polish the bowls.  
Almost all Old Church Ashtons are found with the dark brown stems (a 
few have black bits).   
 
This new finish was produced in both the standard sandblasted finish 
and patented "Shell" process which included the patent number.  Of 
the Old Church pipes produced in this first year most were 2X and 3X 
in size.  A few 1X and LX were offered, but no ELX were made.  There 
has been only 1 Old Church Magnum produced.  This was a medium large 
Billiard with a black saddle bit and nomenclature that read "USA 
001" and is in my personal Collection along with a signed pen & ink 
of the pipe. 
 
The number of workers in the Ashton factory was decreased in 1989 
with the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Mills.  Although it was not 
mentioned in the main article, Mr. Taylor also works in the 
production of Ashton pipes as both as Ashton pipe finisher (stain & 
wax) and the company office manager. As of 1993, Bill's son (Spence) 
has become a full time employee of Ashton pipes.  
 
In 1989 Ashton Products introduced a new line of small cigars, an 
expanded line of hand made Dominican cigars, a series of luxury 
leather cigar cases and 6 new Ashton tobaccos.  As of 1994 Ashton 
large Cigars are very successful in the United States and England.  
For 1990 there were continued expansions into quality leather goods, 
more Old Church pipes and special silver trimmed Ashton pipes (rim, 
spigots and maybe a windcap model).  Starting in 1990 non-smooth 
Ashton pipes will be marked "Shell" rather than Pebble Shell or 
Pebble Grain. As of 1994, this has not completely taken place, 
however the plan is still to produce on "Shell" and smooth Ashtons.  
In addition the patent number will be used on the pipes that are 
carved and blasted, even though all will be marked "Shell".  Over 
the last several years many pieces were mis-marked Pebble Shell or 
Pebble Grain.  The marking of only "Shell" to all non-smooth Ashtons 
will correct this problem. 
 
If you have collected Ashton pipes or have seen quite a few of the 
new patented pieces, you may have noted that there have been three 
different patent numbers used over the last several years.  While 
there was only one patent actually granted Ashton, there is a reason 
for the different patent numbers.  When the patent was first applied 
for the pipes were stamped Pat. Pend. without a number.  After the 
patent was granted the first patent number was stamped on Ashton 
pipes.  This first patent was granted in the name of William John 
Taylor (no Ashton), and so a correction was requested for the proper 
and complete name.  The re-issued "corrected" patent contained a new 
patent number which was then used on the pipes.  In 1989 the final 
"approved after response period" patent papers were issued which 
contained a new final number that is currently used on Ashton pipes. 
 
Starting in 1994, Ashton straight grains are no longer marked SG-1 
or SG-2, but are now marked SG plus A, B, C, D, E for the grade of 
grain. As of late 1994, the Ashton tobacco line is being redesigned 
to include 4 of the original 10 mixtures, plus 6 or 8 new blends 
that should arrive in stores in late 1994 or early 1995. The new 
Ashton tobacco line (all blends) will be produced by McClelland 
Tobacco Company. 
 
Another Collector Fact is that the first Ashton pipes were actually 
produced in late 1983 with most of these using block nomenclature 
rather than the script stampings of 1984 to present.  There are 
other variations to the nomenclature on Ashton pipes that have 
occurred over the years.  These variations will add value to the 
line to the variety collector of Ashton pipes.  The Ashton pipe is a 
new brand that was started just a few years ago and yet have already 
produced a wide variety of products for both the collector and 
smoker.  It is rare in today's market to see a company go back to 
basics and offer a line that puts the product before the profit; 
Ashton does!  There is a bright future for this brand as they offer 
something for everyone.   

[ Whew! Thanks for the story! -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????? (GM-vran Thisell)

Smoked only the pipe for 30 years.
Could use some hints to prevent for inhaling the smoke direct.
joe


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ????????????????
Subject: Congrats, etc.

Dear Steve:

This posting will be (mercifully) short owing to an acute shortage of units
of calibrated time measurement on my part.

First of all, congratulations on passing the 1000-member mark!  I celebrated
the ocassion by smoking a WONDERFUL Bering Baron maduro.  I remember when
Berings were drug-store cigars.  Boy, have they come a long way since then!

Also, I recently did an "oops" and accidentally blew off about 8 back issues
of PD.  Please let me know if there's an ftp site where I can access back
issues.  I don't want to impose on your time since it was my boo-boo, so
rather than ask you to download the missing PD's I'd have no problem just
doing it from the appropriate ftp site.  BTW - for you non-techies out there
an "oops" is a "duh" with a possible excuse due to technical reasons.

And finally...

Tom Bliley's report is finally available through the Net.  Since AOL only
lets me download from ftp's I had to rely on a friend of mine to get it on to
an ftp site.  For those of you know don't know what the Bliley report is (or
for those of you who've forgotten) here is the description as contained in
the file i.d.:

     "This file contains two documents.  The first is a statement made by
     Congressman Thomas J. Bliley, Jr. (R. - Virginia) before Congress on
     July 21, 1993.  This statement concerns the Environmental Protection
     Agency (EPA) and its work on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
     
     "The second document is Rep. Bliley's report of his investigation of
     the EPA, with regards to both its ETS report, and its involvement in
     the ETS controversy leading up to the release of its risk assessment
     in January, 1993.  Rep. Bliley's report is extensively footnoted, and
     contains much information unknown to the general public.

     "THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND CAN BE FREELY DISTRIBUTED." 

Now here's the pertinent information.

FTP SITE:  ftp.demon.co.uk
DIRECTORY:  /pub/doc/liberty/FOREST
SHORT FILENAME:  Bliley Report
LONG FILENAME:  Bliley Report to US Congress, EPA disregarding own rules!
FILE SIZE:  117,244 bytes
DOWNLOAD TIME:  <5 minutes (9600 BAUD)

After scanning Bliley's report I had to spend a lot of time cleaning up
formatting glitches and errors made by the OCR software. Numerous checks
against the hard-copy original have ensured that file is a 100% accurate
word-for-word transcription of the report.  I would enjoy hearing from those
of you who download and read this file.

Also - I would appreciate it if someone could help me pass this information
along to alt.smokers, alt.smokers.cigars and alt.smokers.pipes.  My free time
these days is very,very, very limited, and I'd be thankful for an assist in
publicizing the Bliley report's availability.  Since the anti's enjoy a
monopoly on the news media I think it's about time people get some factual
information on the other side of this issue.

Vive le Resistance!

Steve J. (Briar Man) 

[ Steve, I've already posted to a.s.c and a.s.p. announcing the
availability of the Bliley Report, and have distributed it to about 20
requestors. (I've specifically avoided a.s, as I think it'd generate
more trouble than it's worth there.)  I'll prepend your notice to
further copies of the report that I distribute. And thank you very
very very much for your diligence! I know what a pain scanning text
can be. Vive le Resistance!  -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ???????????????? (Ed Berggren)
Subject: Escudo

Hello, Steve,
  In reading back issues of the Digest I have come across numerous
references to Escudo tobacco and a) how wonderful it is and b) how
difficult it is to find.  Well, wanting to try some, I just ordered a
50-gram tin from Iwan Ries (1-800-621-1457).  I asked if they had a fair
amount in stock and the gal on the phone said yes, but only in the 50-gram
size; the 100-gram size having been discontinued.  Their price is $8.30 for
the 50 grams.  I just thought other pipe smokers on the list wanting to get
some might be interested in this information.  According to their price
list, they also have what appears to be a full selection of other favorite
brands including Dunhill, McClelland, and MacBaren.

--Ed Berggren


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Graham Eales <?????????????????????????>
Subject: Intro

Gudday! 

After lurking for quiet a while I have decided I had better let you
all know a little about me. I live in Auckland New Zealand and work as
a market manager for a company making TV and Theatre lighting. I look
after the Asian market and spend a fair amount of my time in the Asian
region. I have only been living in Auckland for a year and originally
hail from South Africa with several stops in between, the joys of
working in the entertainment industry. I am 31 years old and have
smoked a pipe since I was 17.  I favour Dunhill Royal Yacht or Dunhill
Black Aromatic at the moment. The choice of Tobak seems to be limited
in NZ, as yet I haven't managed to find any real tobak shops in NZ,
some barber shops and news agents carry limited selections of pipes
and tobaks. Maybye I have been looking in the wrong places any advise
will be greatly appreciated. ( If there are any Kiwi members I would
love to meet you!)

On my  trips to Asia I top up my supplies in Hong Kong. I know there are some
Asian members of the digest so a quick question for them; apart from Davidoff
are there any other shops in the region I should be visiting? As I say I smoke
mainly pipes but  I am about to head to the Philipines and seem to remeber they
have a cigar industry; are there any suggestions on Cigars from this region?

Well I guess that will do for now....
Thanks for the digest and companionship it brings to a lonely smoker at the
bottom of the world.

Cheers
Graham E. 


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Troy S Nies <????????????????????????>
Subject: Carved Pipes - Fantasy

I'm looking for a catalog or maybe someone I can get ahold of that makes 
pipes with Faces, or Dragon Heads or some sort of eleborate head on them 
to stuff the tabac into.  I'd appreciate any help....

????????????????????????

[ From the Directory of American Pipemakers (information 8 years old,
so don't count on its accuracy):

        Herbert Friebe
        The Nutshell
        24371 Tamarack Cir.
        Southfield, MI 48075
        313-356-8490

And Hacker's book mentions someone named Bolgi, though I have no
further information. -S. ]
        

~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Mark Lathem <??????????????????>
Subject: Antiquarian Tobacciana

I was on the telephone last week with Julia Turner of "With Pipe and
Book," ordering a copy of Carl Ehwa's book.  I asked Julia to send me a
list of their tobacco-related books and was told that they no longer
publish such a list.  In the true spirit of friendship and cooperation 
that pervades this business, however, she told me to contact Ben
Rapaport. 
   
I knew that Ben was an author ("A Complete Guide to Collecting Antique
Pipes," "The Global Guide to Tobacco Literature," etc.), but I did not

know that he is the owner of "Antiquarian Tobacciana":  
   
Antiquarian Tobacciana
11505 Turnbridge Lane
Reston, VA  22094-1220
(703) 435-8113  [also his home phone--please don't call after 10 PM]
   
This business sells domestic and foreign tobacco literature, from books
(both first-editions and reprints), to periodicals (everything from single
copies of "Pipe Smoker Magazine" for $2.50 to a complete original set of 
"Pipe Lovers" [1946-1950] for $1000), to catalogs (original and 
reproductions).  Ben also sells lithographs, tobacco-related
collectibles, and antique pipes and accessories.  His prices are very
reasonable.
   
Ben puts out a quarterly for his patrons entitled "The Nicotian 
Network Nexus and News" that is part newsletter, part product 
listing--send Ben a dollar for a sample copy. [Actually, he'll send you
a copy for nothing if you call him, but do the right thing--the buck 
barely covers postage and repro costs, I'm sure.]

                -= Mark V. Lathem   -=-   ?????????????????? =-
         "I'll smoke a pipe with you with pleasure" --Sherlock Holmes


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????
Subject: Blind Maduro Smoker in D.C.

The General's Cigar Club of Washington, D.C.

Presents 

The  "Blind Maduro Test"  Smoker

An Evening of Fine Dining & Cigar Smoking Featuring a selection of Unlabeled
Maduro Cigars to be Rated by the Attendees.  

Wednesday, June 14th, 1995     6:00 to 10 PM
Open Bar, Full Course Dinner w/ Wine & a selection of the 
Finest Maduro Cigars for your Taste Testing Delight   
                             $75.00

For Information & Reservations:
?????????????????? {GeneralJym}
or
General Jym; 301-320-4227

Keep On Smokin"


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ??????????????????? (Troy Causey)
Subject: Rookie Post

Thank you Steve, I appreciate your hard work in preparing the digest.

I have  received the last couple of digests and have found it be a fantastic
source of information as well as "just plain fun" reading.  Since this is my
"rookie contribution", maybe I should introduce myself.  I'm Troy Causey, a
23 yr old programmer/analyst in the fast and frantic Atlanta Georgia where a
good bowlful is simply "NEEDED".  My only notable achievement is that I work
down the hall from your 1000th member, Mr. Jonathon Davis (the crowd
cheers).  In fact, he told me about the digest.  As my age might suggest, I
am only a couple of years into my pipe smoking "career", but have found
immense pleasure in both the smoke and the fellowship it brings.  As far as
my tastes are concerned, "the worst tobacco I ever smoked was pretty good".
I smoked aromatics like "Wilshire" from Tinder Box, but have begun, thanks
to your digest and its contributors, to try some English blends and find
them quite different, but very very nice.  My small but growing collection
includes a couple of Peterson's, a few Stanwells, Ascorti, Brebbia, GBD, and
a pipe from Claudio Cavicchi near Bologna, Italy.  I have enjoyed and hope
to continue enjoying the digest.  I look forward to the discussion.  Without
further adieu, let the saga continue.  Thanks again.

Troy
P. Troy Causey
???????????????????


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: ?????????????????????????
Subject: get a job...  got a job!!!

        just a quick announcement: i'm starting work for Hewlett-Packard in 
Fort Collins, Colorado on May 1st...  i'll let you know what the new email
address will be when i know it.  for now (and probably forever) the address
below gets forwarded to the correct place.  i'm looking forward to being back
among the employed :-)

        steve ?????????????????????????

[ Congrats, Steve! Enjoy your new position! -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: "JOSHUA HOYNES" <????????????????????????????????>
Subject:       Pipe types

I would like to know what is a good type of pipe to purchase that 
will be inexpensive yet a good quality.
I had an inexpensive Dr. Grabow (sp?) which broke while I was 
cleaning it. Made me sad :(
Anyway, any info you can give would be helpful.
THANKS-
Joshua


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: "Andrew C. Baker" <?????????????????????>
Subject: pipes digest

hi steve, first of all thanks for doing the digest, it's great.
i'm writing because i haven't received this weeks digest. if you haven't 
done it yet, no problem, but if you have i would appreciate it if you would 
send it to  me.
well, i geuss i'll take this oppurtunity to introduce myself. i am a 
sophomore philosophy student at northern arizona university in flagstaff. 
i have been smoking pipes for under a year, so i find the articles on 
different blends very helpful. i tend towards the latakia blends, 
although i have not tried very many of them.(the local shop doesn't have 
a very good selection, but i take what i can get)
the shop in flagstaff is:

McGaugh's Newstand 
24 N. San Froncisco St.
flagstaff, AZ 86001
602-774-2131


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

From: Tim Ramsay <??????????????????????????????>
Subject: intro message

Thanks VERY much for your extremely prompt reply to my request for 
membership.  Especially appreciate all the introductory info on 
periodicals, clubs, vendors, etc., since I've been following your 
discussion group itself for several months, now.  Here's a brief 
introduction of myself, as requested:
        My name is Tim Ramsay and I'm a graduate student in computational 
commutative algebra (ie. I don't care much about computers per se, just 
what you can DO with them!) at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  
I've been an avid pipe smoker and amateur cigar fan for about two years, 
ever since (THANK GOD) kicking the cigarette habit.  Nicotine's now a 
fine and dependable friend, rather than an "evil influence" in my life.  
Being a poor student, I find it much more affordable to experiment with 
fine pipe tobacco than fine cigars, hence the preference...
        I started out, as do probably most pipe smokers, with aromatics, 
but soon discovered the clear superiority of the natural English/Scottish 
blends.  Due to the presence in my town of an _excellent_ tobacconist and 
pipe maker, I was lucky enough to avoid the usual introductory route of 
Amphora, Balkan Riff, etc. (Yuck, Yuck, Yuck!).  My current preference is 
a full-bodied, Latakia based, 
Knock-you-over-then-kick-you-when-you're-down tobak experience such as 
Dunhill's Nightcap mixture or Rattray's Black Mallory (do you get 
Rattray's in the States?  I haven't seen any mention of it...), but also 
enjoy a mild-to-medium sweet English in the morning or early afternoon.  
I've got a baker's dozen of pipes, some new, some old, including three 
bent Petersons, a Stanwell, a beautiful little hand-made French job, a 
lovely free-hand made of bubinga wood by my local tobacconist Mike Fagan 
(I can't imagine a better smoking pipe this side of tobacco 
paradise), and an Austrian calabash, the last two being my favorites.
        Mike's got his own line of cigars which he has hand-rolled for 
him from several Havana leafs in Canada by an ex-patriate Cuban cigar 
roller and I consider them, for the money, to be just about the best 
`gars I've ever had.  After some experimentation with Dominicans, 
Hondurans, and the much more expensive imported Cubans, I stick with 
Mike's custom-mades when I want a good smoke.  I've got a girl-friend 
from Italy (Perugia, near Tuscany) who's introduced me to Italian 
Garibaldis and Toscanis, which I must confess I've come to love.  
Unfortunately, I've only managed to find the inferior American imitations 
of these last cigars in Canada but, through my girl-friend, I manage to 
maintain a fairly steady supply from Italy.
        I can't believe that Mike's shop, the Pipe & Pouch, is not listed 
in your resource list, _especially_ in view of the tremendous volume of 
discussion I've witnessed on the availability/quality of genuine Cubans.  
I travel quite regularly to both Toronto and Montreal, have sampled the 
best tobacconists in both cities, and have noticed that Mike's prices on 
Cubans (and other cigars) are consistently from 15% to 25% lower than in 
both T.O. and Mtl.  For example, I was in Montreal yesterday and found 
the _lowest_ price on Cohiba Robustos to be $24(Can.) per.  Mike sells 'em 
for $20 and change (I can't remember exactly, but closer to $20 than 
$21).  This translates, for those math-phobes out there, to a savings of 
at least $100 a box!  Davidoff cigarilloes go for $2.53 per, _at least_, 
in Mtl., and Mike sells 'em for $1.57.  The price differences on his 
other `gars are comparable.   He also makes his own nice and relatively 
inexpensive line of pipes and has around 30 different blends of custom 
tobak, of which I've sampled about half (I'm working on the other half) 
and found to be uniformly excellent.
        This must sound like a sales pitch, so let me assure you that I 
am neither a relative, personal friend, nor (in any way) a business 
partner of Mike Fagan.  I think it's a crime that you folks can't get 
Cubans down there and consider it a public service to help anyone 
enterprising enough to come up to Canada for them to get the best deal 
possible.  His address is Pipe & Pouch, 155 Wellington St., Kingston, 
Ont., Canada, K7L 3E1  (613)549-4477.  Well, this has turned out to be a 
hell of a long submission, so feel free to edit where you will...

                        Smoke just as much as ever, but smoke the best!
        
                        Tim Ramsay   ??????????????????????????????

[ Of course! Thanks! And, as I noted in my letter to you, we're always
glad to hear and print news of shops anywhere. -S. ]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U


                       Today's Snappy Comeback:

(To a foreigner:) [Point to your watch and say loudly] "It's three
twenty-five!" 
                                - From "101 Ways to Answer the
                                  Question, 'Would You Please Put Out
                                  that #(!&*!$ Cigar'," Hague et. al.,
                                  1987. 

 U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~ U/~    |||_______{@}__)  (__{@}_______|||
(                                      *   *                                  )
 ) Pipe smokers will rule the world!    * *        Internet Pipes Mailgroup  (
( (if they don't run out of matches...)  *  (for all who enjoy fine tobacco)  )
 )                                       *                                   (
(  Mosaic/Web:                           *      http://www.tacoma.net/~pipes  )
 ) Steve Beaty, Maintainer               *         ????????????????????????? (
(                                        *                                    )
 ) Plain FTP:             ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/br/brookfld/pipes_digest  (
(  Richard Geller, Maintainer            *             (???????????????????)  )
 )                                       *                                   ( 
(  Steve Masticola, moderator            *        (????????????????????????)  )
 )                                     *   *                                 (
 |||_________{@}__)  (__{@}_________|||    ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U

Article Index

1. Subject: Pipes Digest #187 - April 26, 1995
2. Subject: Massachussetts: Prohibition law in offing?
3. Subject: Regarding broken pipe
4. Subject: Re: #4(4) Pipes Digest #187 -...
5. Subject: Re: #4(4) Pipes Digest #187 -...
6. Subject: Intro Post
7. Subject: Kids...
8. Subject: Escudo
9. Subject: Smoking abroad
10. Subject: Re: Pipes Digest #186 -- April 15, 1995
11. Subject: A few more tobacco musings
12. Subject: Re: #3(3) Pipes Digest #186 -...
13. Subject: Scientific American
14. Subject: Intro
15. Subject: World's Strongest Tobacco.
16. Subject: My $.02 worth
17. Subject: Fixing loose stems
18. Subject: Pipes Digest #186 -- April 15, 1995
19. Subject: LARGE PIPES
20. Subject: Resource Guide Update
21. Subject: Pipes Digest Misc.
22. Subject: Best pipe under $50?
23. Subject: Reminiscences
24. Subject: Ashton Story
25. Subject: Congrats, etc.
26. Subject: Escudo
27. Subject: Intro
28. Subject: Carved Pipes - Fantasy
29. Subject: Antiquarian Tobacciana
30. Subject: Blind Maduro Smoker in D.C.
31. Subject: Rookie Post
32. Subject: get a job... got a job!!!
33. Subject: Pipe types
34. Subject: pipes digest
35. Subject: intro message