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From: ????????????????????????
Subject: Pipes Digest #252 -- June 2, 1998
Pipes Digest #252 -- June 2, 1998
Copyright (C) 1998 by Stephen P. Masticola. All rights reserved.
Commercial use of any part of contents,
including email addresses, is prohibited.
Circulation this issue: 3437
Welcome to new members:
Benjamin Horgen
Randall Kadish
Rick Scharer
James Lasry
Wes Haveman
Mike Casteel
Steve
Keenan D. Fletcher
Sheila Davis
Scott Palmer
Robert L. Lasso
David Rose
Al Danimato
Bryan D. Buckman
Greg Maniero
Roberto A. Lanari
Chris Balfe
Joe Portas
James Underwood
Tim Knopf
Ole J. Rogeberg
Joe Silverton
Tom Adams
Mike Yeager
Michael D. Kube
Scott Downard
Jan Anyszka
Paul E. Tyler
Charlie Rodriguez
Bruce R. Losson
Ken Cole
Joel Rothbart
Micheal Vanpelt
Ronald A. Sutcliffe
Andrew Callendar Shimmin
Edward L. Corn
James Gavin
Tarek Manadily
Doug Perrin
Brian Cox
Morgan G. Palmer
Stuart Oldrey
James Lasry
Alan Jay Roth
Mark Kosobiecki
Craig Junceau
Bob Spadafore
Michael Hunter
Robert Culbertson
George F. Reed
Jan Plater
Jonathan Parsons
Dominic Suguitan
Ernie Nagy
Paul Jahshan
Jonathan Hawley
Barry A. Percival
Grayson Coleman
J. K. Parker
Frank A. Nagy
Willis Bennett Baker
Martin C. Koks
David K. Crabtree
Michael Terry
Darrell Black, Dvm
Richard H. Gillespie
John Wilbur
Jan Kusters
Stanislaw B. A. Stawowy
Joe Green
Andres Cascardi
Malcolm O'Brien
David Wurster
Eric L. Warnell
Brandon Simpson
Ernie Nagy
Marty G
Noel Wight
stefano cappio
Harold Taylor
Loakhill
Tobe A Hester
David M. Wohlstadter
Puffin Pipe And Tobacco
Eduard De Boer
Michael S. Combs
Jim Rich
John Noveck
Mauro Moises Kertzer
Samuel C. Croy
James S. Seymour
Danilo Campanella
Gregg A. Howard
Mike Sandberg
Aubrey Kenneth Fannin
Ad Van Bever
David Faller
Andy Karp
Andrew
Stephen Fulmer
Gene E. Carnicom
Manuel Efd Mapa
Guillermo Sane Cristo
Barry Gershon
Dave Terrell
D. S. P. Popeck
Lou Colbe
Christophe Collard
Nick Paduveris
Dr. Bruce G. Yeager
Sean Slaton
Paul L Cauchi
Michael D. Beatey
Gabor Solt
Sitt Polcharoen
Steve Carmer
James Schneider
Reynaldo Ramirez
Erik McCloud
Bernard Charles
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Help Stop Prohibition -- Keep Tobacco Legal
Call -- Write -- Vote
Then, smoke in peace.
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From: "marcus matzick" <??????????????>
Subject: hi
Steve,
Can you give me Dana Steeves ' email address he lives in PEI as I do and I
would like to correspond with him. I have tried Balkan Sasani and like it.
Is it considered to be a good tobacco? And can you define Black cavendish
for me ? IS it considered to be good tobacco? hope to hear from you
And thats the bottom line
[Last address I have for him is ?????????????????????? -S. ]
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From: ????????????????????????
Subject: posting from pipes page
Balkan Sobranie Original ... I am switching to Esotericas Penzance and
have 15 Packages of the 50 grm, unopened, fresh, Original Balkan
Sobranie that I buy on trips to England. I want to sell it or better
yet, trade it for Penzance but dont know who to contact. Do you have
any Ideas?
Thnak
Ken
????????????????????????
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From: Dan Wheeler - The American Legion <???????????????????>
Subject: question
Steve: A question for you or your readers.
I have been smoking a pipe for 30 or so years. Back in my younger days,
when I smoked Cherry Blend and Mixture 79 in a Kaywoodie (which I wish I
still had, but don't), I got tongue bite. I don't get that anymore due
to choice of pipes, tobaccos and knowing how to pack and puff. But I do
experience something which my dentist considers even worse -- the roof
of my mouth gets sore and burned. Is this a common problem? I just cut
back and make sure that my pipe isn't burning hot, but I never see
anyone complain of "roof bite," only "tongue bite."
Also, I notice, even among my associates, that as many people get older
they stop smoking their pipes. Bing Crosby did, as have others. Is
there some medical reason that I should be prepared for?
All the best -- Dan Wheeler.
[Can't answer about the "roof bite," or about Bing Crosby. People quit
for various reasons. Some have medical problems, some succumb to
pressure, and for some the hobby just loses its enjoyment. I'm sure
some have other reasons. On the other hand, many people choose to
smoke their pipes in moderation all their lives, and have no serious
problems from doing so.
Personally, I wouldn't encourage anyone to smoke a pipe if they're not
enjoying it or if it's causing them medical trouble that they consider
serious. The risk to the pipe smoker is there, and I'll not minimize
it. But, as an adult, the decision on whether to smoke or not is (and
should remain) yours, and yours alone. -S. ]
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From: "Ad van Bever" <?????????????????>
Subject: new member
Hello pipe smoking friends,
It is good to be back I must say. I have joined some 4 years ago when
Steve Masticola was doing the wonderfull job of bringing pipe-smokers
together.
I remember that I have wrote a small article and that I was moved by the
warm reception.
I have been following the discussion last week. I also like to add my
experience that I am the single pipe smoker in a company of 500 people!
We are truly a dying breed!?!
I am looking forward to future e-mails.
Greetings from sunny Rotterdam,
Ad van Bever
The world is a stage!
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From: "DAVID R. LUNDGREN" <????????????????????>
Subject: My newest
Greetings fellow pipe-smokers...
Does anyone here know anything about African-made pipes? A week or so
ago we were driving back from the Northeast Cooperatives food fair in
Massachusetts and happened to see the sign for the Pipeworks & Wilke
shop in Shaftsbury, VT. Always eager to pick up "good" tobacco (as
opposed to the "supermarket" variety, I persuaded the driver to stop. I
got looking over the pipes, in hopes of finding something I liked that
was also within my budget. They had a lot of beautiful briars, most of
which were made right there... but alas they were all straight, and I
really prefer a bent... there were some bents in the "reject" box, but
most of those were too bad even for even for me, though I suppose some
of the more skillful among us might have been able to work them into
something fairly respectable. There was a rack of what may have been
estate pipes, they all looked to be in pretty decent shape and were much
closer to what I could afford... on that day anyway. Alas they were all
straight and I *really* prefer a bent. Then there it was, hidden down
behind the others... full bent, shaped vaguely like a check-mark... just
the sort of pipe I was looking for. The roughly conical shaped bowl is
meerschaum lined, and although the inside was blackened the rest of the
pipe looked virtually brand new. Now then what is it? Who knows? It
doesn't seem to fit any of the brands or makers frequently described in
the PD, so here is a description of the identifying marks... see what
you can make of it. Stamped on the bottom of the bowl is the number
290, and the words "KILLMANJARO" and "Made in Tanganyika". "Tanganyika"
also appears lightly stamped into the bottom of the stem. On the side
of the stem is a tiny white outline of what appears to be a rhinoceros.
The name Tanganyika of course dates it back to at least the mid 1960's
though I don't recall exactly when that country merged with its
neighbors to become Tanzania. The stem is of the screw-in type. Well
whatever its pedigree, it seems to be a pretty good smoker, and for $15
bucks that's all I really ask.
... an aside... I see the American Cancer Society has recently come down
with both feet on cigar smoking... can pipes be far behind?
Smoke in Peace
Dave Lundgren
[Apparently, nope -- but you can take a personal stand. Just refuse to
ever voluntarily support any organization which persecutes you. There
are plenty of worthwhile charities that haven't appointed themselves
our moral guardians. -S.]
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From: Scott Pickett <????????????????>
Subject: Jazz pipes
I recently purchased a pipe made by Jazz.
I was wondering if you would know where I could find out some
information about this pipemaker. I would like to know if they make any
other pipes that I would like.
Any information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.) would help me
tremendously.
thanks in advance,
Scott Pickett
????????????????
706-375-1625
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From: Hawk <?????????????????>
Subject: Cigar Press
Steve I would like to know if you know of any where that I could
find some info on a cigar press by the DuBrul Manufacturing Co. from
Cincinnati,Ohio. Pat Pend 11\24\1914 There are some other numbers and the
word 6 DUREX 28 stamped on the end. Any idea where I could look for any
info on this press?
Thanks for any help
Chris Schroeder
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From: ?????????????? (by way of Steve Beaty <????????????????????>)
Subject: Has Anyone seen Richard Esserman-and where is Levin Pipes
Dear Fellow Pipe Lovers:
I have been to only one pipe show in my life, a one-time show in
Boston in November 1993. I am a lover of the size of pipes categorized
as the "truly enormous" in size-large enough to require a through bout
with the pipe cleaner after EVERY bowlful!
There aren't many pipe lovers like me who love the really large
sizes like I do, but one who does is Philadelphia's Richard Esserman.
He has been a lover of enormous pipes for quite some time, I understand,
and has a number of Ashton Magnum pipes that would astound some of us
in cyberspace. He doesn't have Email, so far as I know, and he works in
the musical instrument trade in Philly. Can anyone pinpoint where he
might be, and where his musical instrument shop is in Philly so I can
get in touch with him once more?
Also-a good source of estate pipes (like Ashton Magnums, among
others) would be Levin Pipes International in Vermont. They seem to
have no cyberspace presence at all, and I would like to get their
mailing address (and Email/Web address, if they DO have them!) so I can
get in touch with them and expand my collection of very-oversized briars
(with a few meerschaums, as well).
And-has anyone successfully used silicon tile material (just as
the Space Shuttle has covering its surfaces) to make the 'stummel' for
a pipe? And if it is available, could I get some good-sized blocks for
the purpose of fabricating my own monster-sized pipes? Some of the
pipes I enjoy have stems (mostly with mouthpiece styles like that Irish
pipemaker that's been around since 1890) that I've made myself, and if
block meerschaum isn't available, the silicon tile material would be a
great pipe-makers substance for a "high-tech meerschaum" of lasting
beauty.
If anyone out there has answers or can help with any of my
questions, please Email me at:
??????????????
with any answers or help you can give!
Yours sincerely,
Dave Plahn
[Levin Pipes International has been out of business for some years.
Sorry, but I can't help you with Richard Esserman's whereabouts. -S.]
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From: "R & K, Inc." <???????????>
Subject: Some questions
Dear Mr. Masticola,
First of all congratulations on the great web page you have been keeping
up. Allthough I have been visiting Pipes Digest once in a while for the
past years, I haven't contacted you or submitted any articles before, other
than asking for a link to our web page, AND Meerschaum Pipes at
http://www.meerschaum.com
I need some help on directing web surfers to better resources. As a
meerschaum seller I receive several e-mails particularly on three issues:
1- Determining the value of an old meerschaum pipe
2- Looking for a market to sell old meerschaum pipes, usually collector
items
3- Repairs on meerschaum pipes.
We do not do repairs, we do not purchase used pipes, and I am not an expert
on determining value of old meerschaum pipes. Most of the time I just give
some general info about meerschaum pipes and direct them to Pipes Digest
web pages, where they may find many more meerschaum related links, and
articles. If there are any organizations, or people who could help on these
issues I want to direct these help seekers to those resources as well as to
Pipes Digest pages. If I can find some information, I am planning on
setting up a page for such links.
I wasn't sure about wheter my e-mail could be submitted as an article. If
you think it would help, you may post it on Pipes Digest. I would
appreciate any help.
Best regards,
Alex Dumond
???????????
[Interesting... can't say that I know of a dedicated meerschaum
site. -S.]
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From: "Zoth Ommog" <?????????????????>
Subject: New website
Greetings! Sorry to hear of your email difficulties. I hope this gets
through. I now (finally) have a full-scale website of my own. Not only
does it feature an online catalog of my newest pipes, but it also has a
library of pipe-making information and tips. Thanks very much for the
mini free site for so long - it certainly generated a lot of email.
When you have time, could you please change the link to point to the URL
below? Since all those pipes are long-sold, you might as well reclaim
your disk space, and I want to get notice of the new site out in as many
forums as possible.
Thanks, and Happy smoking,
Trever Talbert
www.talbertpipes.pair.com
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From: Bill Taylor <?????????????????????????????????>
Subject: Reaming a blocked bore, "The Pipe", and more
Hi, Steve and fellow pipists (is that a word?)!
[Name deleted by S.B.] wrote about cleaning a blocked airway and you
recommended a $35 solution. While this may be efficient and elegant, it is
much less expensive to use a bolt cutter or heavy-duty wire cutter to snip
a wire hanger such as breed in your darkest closets (really provided by
your dry cleaner or shirt laundry) so that only the straight piece remains.
Use that to ream a pipe. Mouthpieces can be cleared with one of these
hand-made reamers also. Particularly stubborn blockages in the mouthpiece
can be helped out by heating the reamer with a match or your lighter before
forcing it through. I find that this tool is much longer than those
available on the tools and thus more useful for longer pipes. The only pipe
I have failed to clear a blockage using the coat hanger is a churchwarden
with a stem over 18" long. Cheapskates like me may want to try it before
parting with hard-earned money.
As you know, I have been amassing a collection of those horrible synthetic
pipes made from pyrolitic graphite ("the latest space age material" in the
60's) and imprinted "the pipe" "THE SMOKE" or "Venturi" on the shank.
Thanks almost entirely to the readers of this illustrious bulletin, I now
have 23 of these bad boys and am looking for more without duplicating
shapes/colors. Through no fault of my own (i.e., lot purchases) I do have 4
duplicate pipes and would certainly entertain the notion of a trade with
someone who wants one I have and has one I don't. I have the good fortune
to have picked something to collect that few others want and so are very
inexpensive. In fact, a couple of very nice readers of PD have just given
me one that they had laying around unsmoked, unloved, and unwanted. Anybody?
Thanks for the URL on passive smoking. My wife, bless her, has never
complained about my smoking but the recent hysteria about second-hand smoke
had made me a bit nervous. My daughter recently presented us with a
grand-child and, although she says, "I grew up with you and I don't have
any problems, so I'm not too worried about your smoking around my baby in
spite of what the health-Nazis spout," the incessant drum-beat of publicity
had made me wonder if I should cut out smoking around the baby. It is good
to learn the WHO knows better, even if it won't admit it publicly.
Finally, praise to Bill Unger and the NASPC. I got my first issue a couple
of weeks ago and the newsletter is well worth the $12. I would suggest to
anyone that they pay up at once and don't fool around with the sample.
Keep up the great work at PD.
Bill
************************************************
Bill Taylor <?????????????????????????????????>
Kettering, OH (W 84.2 N 39.7)
http://home.att.net/~dr.billie.taylor
[Thanks, Bill! And thanks to Steve Smith, who turned up the story on
the buried WHO study. -S. ]
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From: Joe_Reynolds <???????????????????????>
Subject: Pipes Digest - Questions
You may be getting tired of this opener -- but it is true and we all
mean it: thanks for the great work. There should be an award
somewhere for the most useful and longest lasting digest on the web.
You would get it hands down.
Question 1: does anyone know of a chart comparing pipe, cigar and
cigarette tobaccos for nicotine content? My doctor asked me at my
last visit if I smoked. I said, "yes, one or two pipes a day." The
next question was "About how many cigarettes is that?"
Yes, it is a strange question -- one from a nonsmoker who doesn't know
much about pipes and tobacco. I did not try to go into the different
levels of nicotine content in different types of tobacco, nor into the
differences between pipe, cigar and cigarette smoking. But it did
arouse my curiosity. Anybody have an idea how to compare smoking a
pipe and smoking X number of cigarettes?
Question 2: What is "green river" tobacco? a type of leaf, a method
of curing, or ...? I have seen many references to it but have no idea
what makes it so special.
Question 3: Anyone have a cure for cleaning a really grungy pipe bit?
I am not talking about a bit with some oxidation on it, but about one
with caked on discoloration. Scraping with a knife will work; but I
don't want to scratch or gouge out the bit. Toothpaste, even applied
with a stiff toothbrush, wore me out before the bit was clean. So any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
???????????????????????
"Deep in the Heart of Texas"
[1: They're almost beyond comparison, for a variety of reasons. 2:
Don't know. 3: Try buffing the stem with tripoli; be careful and go
slow, because this can gouge the plastic. -S. ]
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From: "E. Glenn Brooks" <?????????????????????>
Subject: Polisher plans
On ASP back in February, Mark Tinsky mentioned you have some plans for
building a polisher with an arbor/shaft from Woodcraft. Might I get a
copy? Please?? <g>
-Glenn
[ Well, "plans" might be an exaggeration. I'll repeat what I posted
from Pipes Digest #244.
The main component is a thing called a mandrel. It's essentially a
shaft that the buffing wheel runs on. They are available from several
woodworking mail-order houses. Woodworker's Supply at 800-645-9292 has
three models available; item number 818-753 is what I used.
You'll also need a salvaged motor, from a washing machine or
similar. I found a sewing-machine motor at the local recycling center
that works fine. Also, get a motor mount (the kind that rocks and puts
tension on the belt), and a V-belt pulley for the motor to reduce the
RPM to about 1000. With a stacked pulley, you can vary the speed.
Sears should have the V-belt hardware and motor mounts, or you can
build the motor mount yourself from some plumbing components.
Definitely put together a stable base for the buffer so it doesn't
vibrate too much.
Tht total cost should be around $50. Mine ran a little more, because I
put a Jacobs chuck on one end of the mandrel.
Don't use an ordinary grinder for buffing; they run too fast and risk
gouging or burning the pipe. -S. ]
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From: Tarek Manadily <???????????????????>
Subject: First submission for PD
Dear Steve:
I'm a new member of Pipe Digest; I joined a week ago.
As I have several pieces that I've written about Italian pipes and pipe
makers, I decided to submit the following updated article on the Don
Carlos pipes. I hope it's good enough for publication and that fellow
pipe smokers will find it interesting and informative. I still have
lots of things to write on Italian pipes, as well as tobaccos made in
Switzerland. I've also been sampling all of McClelland's pressed
Virginias. So, I guess you'll be hearding often from me!
Thanks a lot for all your good efforts.
Happy pipe smoking,
Tarek
Bruto Sordini and his Don Carlos Pipes
It is often the case that a pipe smoker is quite aware of the history of
his/her favorite pipe(s) and can go on talking about it endlessly with
amazing confidence and accuracy. However, it is regrettably common to
find that knowledge of the maker who made that favorite pipe is often
hazy, if available at all; sometimes, even the name of that pipe maker
is not known, unless one is talking about one of the big names in the
pipe making world, or one is simply a dedicated pipe collector.
This article is intended not only to provide information about the Don
Carlos pipes, but also to pay tribute to their talented maker, Bruto
Sordini. Don Carlos is a relatively new name that is receiving more and
more international recognition and appreciation and the Don Carlos pipes
are increasingly sought after in several European countries as well as
in the USA.
Bruto Sordini is in his mid-forties, married and has three sons. His
interest in making art objects out of wood led him to abandon the study
of law and eventually discover the gratification and self-fulfillment
that the art of pipe making can bring.
Bruto started making pipes when he was twenty years of age. He started
as an apprentice to an old village pipe maker who taught him the secrets
of a good hand made pipe. After the old man died (at the age of 96,
having made his last pipe only two years earlier), Bruto started working
with other pipe makers, one after the other. Before he started making
pipes on his own, he had already worked for years with some of the most
famous and prestigious pipe establishments in the Pesaro region, well
known for its pipe making tradition. Prior to the founding of the Don
Carlos company, Bruto had joined in a pipe making partnership with a
friend, but later set out on his own. This friend of Bruto's is now one
of the most famous and respected Italian pipe makers in the world (Bruto
prefers not to mention names; he wants his pipes, and not his
acquaintance with others, to speak for him). Seven years ago, Don
Carlos was founded. Bruto is a great lover of classical music,
especially operas, and which is why he chose the name of a famous opera
character for his company.
Bruto creates his pipes alone. Nobody is allowed to touch a Don Carlos
pipe except his wife, Rosaria, who occasionally helps with the
finishing touches and always packs the pipes for shipment; also, there
is a "rusticator", who only rusticates pipes that Bruto has already
shaped. In addition, the true inspiration for Bruto while working
remains classical music; his workshop is equipped with a CD and a
cassette player striving to keep up with Bruto's prodigious musical
appetite.
It takes Bruto an average of two hours to make a pipe from beginning to
end, provided that everything goes well and that the ebouchon does not
present any unpleasant surprises, otherwise the pipe is altogether
discarded. Consequently, Bruto makes about an average of 5-6 pipes a
day. Although he sometimes gets overwhelmed by huge orders, he refuses
to hire anyone to make pipes with or for him. He prefers to sell fewer
pipes that exhibit better quality and workmanship than to sacrifice
quality for quantity.
Bruto uses Calabrian briar. He carefully, and patiently, seasons the
ebouchons in the open air for approximately three years. The true
proof of Bruto's thorough treatment of the briar is the smoking quality
and the light weight of the finished pipe.
Bruto produces a wide range of shapes and sizes, from classic shapes to
elegant freehands, from miniature pipes to giant bowls that hold up to
ten grams of tobacco. His pipes come in three finishes: smooth natural,
rusticated (including semi-rusticated). Smooth pipes are of either
light natural or mid-brown/red color. The rusticated ones are either
natural or stained reddish black. Rustication can be either fine or
coarse.
Bruto uses musical notes to grade his pipes; that is, he stamps one, two
or three musical notes on his pipes to denote the grain, with a
three-note pipe being the highest within each group. Pipe are given
notes as follows: dark rusticated (1 note), natural light rusticated (2
notes), semi-rusticated (3 notes), smooth (1, 2, or 3 notes), and
straight grain (1, 2, or 3 notes). 3-note straight grains are quite
rare, with only a few being made each year; besides demonstrating a
perfect straight grain, these pipes should have absolutely no flaws,
fissures, or sandpits.
All in all, it is quite reassuring for today's pipe smoker to know that
there are still individual pipe makers who know what a high quality hand
made pipe is all about, who have the knowledge and the skill to produce
such a pipe, who would endeavor to accommodate pipe making tradition and
innovation with constant awareness of the pipe smoker's needs and
preferences, and finally, would rather not produce a pipe at all than
produce one of poor quality.
In short, Bruto Sordini, the maker of the Don Carlos pipes, is a living
example of such admirable pipe makers.
For those of you who would like to view some of Bruto's latest pipes,
just click here: http://straightgrain.connect-2.co.uk
Tarek Manadily
(Switzerland, 26 May 1998)
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From: ????????????????
Subject: posting from pipes page
Ex collector has approx. 30 Caminetto, 30 Stanley, 15 Savanelli (same
signature), 20 JHW, 30 Connoisseur, 15 Charatan, 20 Ben Wade, 5
Escada, 10 Barkley, 10 Meersham, 5 Sasuni, 5 Dunhill + 100+ free hand
Danish, English Italian & Int'l. 50% unsmoked, To sell in bulk. Can
snail mail photos if interested
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From: John O'Bryan <????????????????????>
Subject: posting from pipes page
A number of years ago, as many of you know, I reprinted the book "My
Lady Nicotine." by J.M. Barrie. My wife is tired of looking at them
collecting dust in the garage and says we need to have a sale. I
agree. So, for a limited time, My Lady Nicotine can be had for the
low price of $10.99 (reg. $14.99 + $5.00 shipping) and FREE SHIPPING.
If any one is interested give me or my wife a call toll free at
888-814-2665 or email ????????????????????
John O'Bryan owner Thornbush Anthologies.
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From: ??????????????????
Subject: comment from pipes page
All inquiries and information are appreciated. My late father in law was a
collector of fine pipes. These pipes have never been used and are in mint
condition. Amoung the collection is a Ben Wade 7 day set, complete with
rosewood presentation box lined with sealskin; Assorted Savanelli pipes
and some Miersham pipes of very high quality. We are looking to sell these
pipes to a collector who knows the value of these pieces. Please feel free
to contact me so that we may further our discussions.
Awaiting any replies, Eric Aronoff ??????????????????
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From: ???????????????????????? (John Ridgway)
Subject: Cautionary tale (non-serious)
Steve, I have been lurking (most enjoyably) on the list for about a year now.
I found this item which I hope you (everyone if it's not too long for the
digest) will enjoy. It is from "Catering for life", the autobiography of Victor
Ceserani which I bought (ex-library) recently.
Cheers,
John.
Orleans Club, St James's
By now I was in my nineteenth year and considered that I looked far
too young for my age. To combat this I grew (with difficulty) an
apology of a moustache, and decided to buy a pipe. Not long after I
had started work I had bought my first packet of cigarettes - ten for
6d but found that they stuck to my lips making them sore and that they
made me cough. Apart from thinking that they made me look more grown
up, they gave me no pleasure at all and, worst of all, 6d was a lot
out of my weekly money - I gave them up. I shopped around for the
smallest pipe that I could find, bought half an ounce of Phillips
Sweet Cut, and started to experiment. After the usual teething
troubles of packing the tobacco too tightly, then too loosely, using
untold boxes of matches and dribbling like fury down the pipe so that
every once in a while a filthy tasting blob of tobacco-laden spit
would return up the pipe stem into the mouth, I managed to get a
reasonable smoke going, and proudly displayed this by keeping the pipe
in my mouth for longish periods. This was the summer of 1938, and one
very hot afternoon I was at home reading (my parents had moved to No.
32 Smith Terrace), when looking up with a start, realised that I was
late setting off back for work. Hastily filling my pipe I lit up and
set off at a sharp pace for the bus stop. (Letty was coming up to meet
me after work that evening, so I wasn't cycling.) I climbed aboard the
top deck of a No. 19 bus, smoking continuously, and came down the
steps at the double on arrival at Green Park still puffing away. I
trotted along Piccadilly, down St James's Street and along King Street
to the club, jumped down the stairs to the basement two at a time into
the kitchen, to find a message from Marie (who was off that evening
along with Chef Abry) asking me to see her in her room. Marie lived in
a room in the staff quarters on the top floor to which one ascended by
circular stairway. Up and round to the fourth floor I trotted, smoking
furiously, received the message, trotted down and round back to the
kitchen sfill smoking, and changed into my kitchen clothes. By this
time the accumulated forces of heat, haste and tobacco began to take
effect, my head started to spin, and I could feel nausea taking
hold. It was now six o'clock, so I staggered into the kitchen to get
ready for dinner which started at seven and spent an uncomfortable
hour preparing food and teetering on the brink of being sick. At seven
o'clock I could contain myself no longer, and was violently ill in one
of the four sinks we had in the kitchen. In an adjoining sink,
swimming around in a large container covered by a wire mesh, were a
dozen live rainbow trout which were on the menu that evening as blue
trout (Truite au bleu). We did not keep a live trout tank at the club
but, when on the menu, they were delivered by the fishmonger during
the afternoon. He tipped them into a container in the sink, turned the
cold water tap on, covered them with an old sieve wire mesh and put a
weight on top to stop them jumping out. They would then be killed
fresh to order, cleaned, passed through vinegar on both sides, gently
cooked in a little white wine, carrot, onion and herbs in a covered
container, and served with a melted butter sauce. When cooked
immediately after being killed the skin of the trout assumes a
pleasing, delicate blue colour and the trout does not remain whole,
but breaks in one or two places; it is therefore served slightly
misshapen.These two distinctive features are the means by which a
discerning customer can tell whether the trout was perfectly fresh and
alive just prior to being cooked. Concerned at my plight, George went
next door to Mr. Harris the chemist, to see if he could obtain a cure
for my condition and came back with the sole advice, 'Make him drink
pints of water.'
Time was passing and the whistle on our intercom blew indicating that
the first members were in for dinner and had ordered. Needless to say,
the first order was for a blue trout. I staggered to the trout sink,
caught a plump fish in my hand, took one look at it, and
simultaneously the trout flew out of my hand onto the freshly
sawdusted floor. I returned to my sink in misery. Up piped George,
'Don't worry chef, I'll catch the little bleeder!' He grabbed at the
trout with both hands, but because he wasn't used to handling live
fish he grabbed too tightly, and the fish shot out like a bullet back
onto the floor. Again he grabbed and again, going round and round the
kitchen table, muttering expletives against the non-cooperative
trout's unwillingness to submit to the pot.
Meanwhile, I was following Mr. Harris's advice, swallowing as much
water as I could and promptly bringing it back up again, but the
wisdom of the advice was becoming evident as my stomach was slowly
being cleansed. By this time the intercom whistle from the dining room
was blowing furiously, and impolite remarks were travelling down the
tube concerning the non-arrival of the member's fish. all in all
bedlam reigned for what at the time, seemed an eternity but by now I
was sufficiently recovered to take up my duties and restore order to
the chaos, sending apologies to the dining-room for the delay and
managing to complete a (thankfully) not too busy evening without
further major incident.
By the time service was over I felt decidedly washed out and
regretted the fact that Letty was coming to meet me, but after washing
and changing and emerging from the club into the fresh air. I began to
perk up. So much si that we decided to walk across Green Park, on to
Victoria, to Chelsea Barracks where in the Guardsmen's Cafe a few
doors along I demolished egg and chips, apple pie and custard,
followed by a large cup of coffee, and felt on top of the world! The
next time I smoked a pipe was four years later.
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From:????????????????????????
Subject: posting from pipes page
Steve,
I always enjoy getting the PD, thanks.
Can anybody instruct me on how to remove varnish from a pipe bowl
without causing the stain great harm? I have some ideas, but I would
welcome other pipe smokers' input and experience on this.
Thanks.
-Bob
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From: "Greg Tomerlin" <???????????????????????????>
Subject: piling on
Steve, I never miss a chance to pile on. I'm sure you've been told a
hundred times by the lovers of Frog Morton that it is a McClelland
blend. And their best I might add.
Thanks for PD.
--
Greg ???????????????????????
Lebanon, TN http://www.nashville.com/~bluegrass/midtenn.htm
____________________________________________________________=20
"May those who love us, love us, and those that don't love
us, may God turn their hearts; And if He doesn't turn their
hearts, may He turn their ankles so that we may know them
by their limp."
- old Gaelic blessing
____________________________________________________________
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From: Lloyd Spivak <?????????????????????>
Subject: Pipes Digest #251 -- May 2, 1998
Message text written by Pipes Digest
>Mel Feldman of The Smoker in Albany NY, who perhaps
has the largest inventory of estate pipes in the country, has taken 7
tables.<
Steve,
This is my first comment here. I just wanted to add my praise for
Mel and The Smoker. I lived in Albany from 1988 to 1991 and found this
place to be great. I built much of my pipe collection there (now if I
could just get myself to smoke them more and make a real switch from
cigarettes). He really does have a great selection of well-refurbished
estate pipes, and gives good deals, too. To any serious pipe man (or
woman) passing within 50 or a hundred miles of Albany, it's well worth
stopping there. I encourage everyone to support this amazing resource.
-- Lloyd Spivak
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From: ????????????????? (Stephen Bray)
Subject: Clay Tobacco Pipes
Dear Readers,
In the past I have wrote about the differences between slip cast and
hand rolled clays. Yet I still see many people do not understand that there
is any. Please believe me, if you want to experience the virtues of smoking
a clay, you first have to smoke a true clay. Those of you who may have
tried one of those slip cast pipes, and found them to be undesirable, must
withhold judgment on the clay, as you have not yet smoked one. I hope you
will enjoy reading this article, I wrote it to try and shed some light on
the fact that clay pipes are proven quality smoking vessels made with much
thought and consideration to the enhancement of your smoking pleasure.
Dutch Clay Tobacco Pipes
By the mid 18th Century clay tobacco pipe making was almost two hundred
years old. The Dutch Pipemakers were producing a product that was far
superior to their English competitors. These pipe makers had formed a guild
system, and set, and enforced quality standards for clay tobacco pipes. The
pipes were given three different grades of quality, Regular, Fine,and
Porcelain. The makers being required to stamp the pipes with marks
identifying the maker as a member of a particular guild, also special marks
were used to identify the pipes of fine, and porcelain quality. At this
time the word porcelain was given to describe the highly burnished pipes,
not the maternal that they were made from. This created a market for pipes
of higher quality, and the tight knit family guilds responded with highly
burnished pipes with innovative designs, that pushed the limits of pipe
making.
The most popular design of the time was a thin forward angled cone
shaped bowl with a long slender stem. The thin angled bowl was capable of
holding a small but appropriate amount of tobacco, as they were designed
for performance. Clay naturally disperses heat, and is cool to the touch.
The rapid dispersal of heat causes the bowl to become very hot. The heat is
dispersed so efficiently that the stem remains cool, thus cooling and
drying the smoke even further. The heat also causes the tobacco resins to
defuse through the under side of the bowl. The angled bowl had other
advantages as they were easy to light, and the tobacco would not fall out
if the bowl was turned downward. This was useful when smoking in the rain,
or snow. The long stems were not just for cooling, they kept the smoke
clear of the smoker, and they were considered very stylish to the gentry of
the time. Some aesthetic features of the 18th century Dutch pipes were the
burnished stripes on the bowls. These stripes ran length wise around the
bowl. The stripes are rubbed on the bowl with an agate stone, before the
pipe is fired. The stripes are almost invisible when the pipe is new, but
after smoking a few bowls the pipe will begin to darken , and the stripes
will remain relatively light, revealing the design. The stems on these
pipes were completely burnished with the help of special tools. One other
feature was the milled bowl edge. The milled edge was produced by rolling a
fine saw blade around the rim of the newly formed bowl, resulting in a
series of depressions, again this was purely aesthetic. The last feature
that I should touch upon is the heel or spur that is found at the bottom of
the bowl. The heals main function was to provide extra material at the
bottom of the pipe to support the junction of the bowl and stem. With out
the heel the bowl could lose its bottom if taped to hard on a table. The
English churchwardens have many of the same smoking qualities of the Dutch
pipes. I make my churchwardens with a smooth burnished finish. The stems on
these pipes have a gentle bend to them, and mouthpiece looks very stylish
with a crimson wax finish.
Pipes of quality can be found throughout the history of clay pipe
making. In the 19th Century quality would be compromised for quantity.
What had taken two hundred years to develop would be more or less put aside
in the name of production. The once delicate designs would be replaced by
shorter bulkier clays that were easy to mass produce. As a consolation,
these clays would be moulded with figure heads and elaborate motifs. By
the end of the 19th century the clay pipe would loose it's appeal, and the
beautifully carved French briars and meerschaums gained in popularity.
I have been making pipes for five years now, in the beginning I was
confronted with the choice of reproducing a product of low or high quality.
When I saw the Dutch pipe artifacts, I was inspired to try and reproduce
these pipes of quality. In order to do this I had to recreate all the tools
necessary, and in trying to reproduce these pipes I resurrected methods and
techniques that would otherwise be lost. Today, it is still a challenge for
me to make these delicate pipes. I have not the benefit of generations of
pipe making under my belt. Making reproductions of the work of some of the
best Pipemakers in history, is not an easy task. In order to do this I had
to develop a realm of what was acceptable, any pipe that falls out of this
realm is not fired. It would be easy to say that a poorly made reproduction
is true to its poorly made original. I don't see the attraction to having
such an attitude, it does nothing for me as an artisan, nor does it help
repair the reputation of the clay tobacco pipe. I have great respect for
the talented Pipemakers of the past, and I am pleased to bring some well
deserved recognition, and understanding to what was once a true form of
art. This world is filled with people that toil away making useless junk to
put in it. I talk to people that say they will hand down my pipes to their
children. Imagine that. You can't say that about a thirty thousand dollar
automobile.
Your most humble and obedient servant, Stephen Bray Pipemaker
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Olde World Fine Clays
249 South Street
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
CANADA B1A 1W6
????????????????????????????
web page- http://bytor.com/pipes/pipes.htm
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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From: Jim Tedesco <???????????????????????????????>
Subject: posting from pipes page
If its alright, I'd like to pass on my URL for a new "Pipes for sale" website :
http://www.onlinepipes.com
The sight consists of a variety of brands from quality high grade estate pipes
such as Dunhill, Charatan, etc. to unsmoked TRACY MINCER pipes recovered from
the factory in Indianapolis In.!
Come have a look...
Thanks,
Jim Tedesco
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From: Pierre-Andre Hamelin <???????????????>
Subject: Pipes
Dear pipe lover,
I smoke Carey'spipes from Ohio. But I live in Montreal Canada. Where can
I buy Carey's tobacco in Canada?
Up to march, I had to import with big customs's fees.
Could you help me?
Pierre Hamelin
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From: FF <???????????????????????>
Subject: Waarde Walter
Waleter:
Toen je eindelijk verkozen werd voor de Gemeenteraard sprak ik mret je VADER.
Toen ik Directeur in Spe was sprak ik met Tony
In beide gevallen wAS DIT GEEN help voor mijn carri`ere, ?
Dag Professor!!!!
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From: Address unknown
Subject: posting from pipes page
Hello All,
I finally hooked up to the inetrnet, however I have been reading the
past issues of the digest from th einternet I have at work.
I have been smoking a pipe for 26 years more or less and found a bit
of heaven when I came upon the Digest and all the other links.
Almost all the pipes I have were crafted right here in Brooklyn, NY
by a pipemaker who manufactured under the logo of DON-LOU. Don passed
on about 4 or 5 years ago. Any readers out there familiar with this
pipemaker?
I am a smoker of English Tobacco, and like most pipesters I enjoy
experimenting with different blends from different shoppes I come
across in my travels. One I came upon a few months back in Albany, NY
was the 'Smoker', I boughr a few blends, IE, Woodman and Woodland and
both were exceptional. I also enjoyed the conversation I had with the
junior Mr. Feldman, who is a walking encylopedia of pipe and tobacco
lore. That is one shop I could spend an entire day in.
I also visited a smoke shop in Downtown Syracuse about a month ago
and purchased my first estate pipe, a Ben Wade carved bent with a nice
size bowl it cost 35.00, I think it was a bargain and it smokes cool
and sweet, definitely became a favorite of mine.
Well, time to sign off as I just received my summer issue of Pipe
and Tobacco magazine and I want to take a peek at it. Also looking
forward to getting my issue of Emphermis, that has got to be the most
enjoyable periodical.
Talk again soon,
Rich C.
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From: "kenneth w. hoffmann" <??????????????????>
Subject: new guy
this sounds interesting.
Vita: i started smoking a pipe maybe 7 years ago. my 3rd pipe was a
meerschaum, and i have been hooked to them ever since. i really appreciate
the cool and clear smoke they lend, and the coloration is an added bonus,
although i spent less time worrying about the color these days. i started
off with arromatics, but i now go between McClelland virginias, and an
english mixture from Nat Sherman.
thanks,
--Kenneth
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From: "mkertzer" <????????????????????>
Subject: Pipes Digest
Dear Steve,
I am a newcomer to the internet. So please excuse any mistakes.
Thank you for the the introductory letter, the Resource Guide, and the
most recent mailing. I am looking forward to improve my knowledge on pipes
and tobaccos.
I am Brazilian, living in the City of Sao Paulo.
I am intrested in information about Dunhill pipes, such as catalogues,
magazines etc.
In the next week or so, I will be going on a trip to Buenos Aires,
Argentina, and I would appreciate to receive the names and adrresses of
good
pipe shops in that city.
Thanks,
Mauro Moises Kertzer
???????????????????
????????????????????
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Quote of the Week:
"I'll bet you the average educational and intelligence level of pipe
smokers is higher than in the general population. ...most are so
erudite that you can talk with them about anything. Politics,
economics, tobacco, all the important topics. What wonderful,
stimulating people."
- Patty Tarler
(Aw, gawrsh...)
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- Subject: Pipes Digest #252 -- June 2, 1998
- Subject: hi
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: question
- Subject: new member
- Subject: My newest
- Subject: Jazz pipes
- Subject: Cigar Press
- Subject: Has Anyone seen Richard Esserman-and where is Levin Pipes
- Subject: Some questions
- Subject: New website
- Subject: Reaming a blocked bore, "The Pipe", and more
- Subject: Pipes Digest - Questions
- Subject: Polisher plans
- Subject: First submission for PD
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: comment from pipes page
- Subject: Cautionary tale (non-serious)
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: piling on
- Subject: Pipes Digest #251 -- May 2, 1998
- Subject: Clay Tobacco Pipes
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: Pipes
- Subject: Waarde Walter
- Subject: posting from pipes page
- Subject: new guy
- Subject: Pipes Digest
