Barling

Many thanks to Jesse Silver for extensive work editing and contributing to this article. We are still hoping for additional information and documentation on the fascinating history of Barling. --sethile 19:35, 17 August 2010 (UTC)

Cased Pair, Pre-trans, Derek Green Collection[1]

The Company

Pre-Barling by Crown of Vienna, silver work by the Barling family of London, and stamped with E.B. and W.B. stamps, albatross wing bone extensions. From the Johnny Long Collection

Stamped "BARLING'S MAKE", London 1906, Rd. No. 458002, from the Johnny Long Collection

From Left: 1927-Tetley's; 1916 w/Military bit; 1956-Tetley's; Pre-Trans EXEL T.V.F, Derek Green Collection[2]

Pair of uncased 1884s with E.B. W.B stamped Barling silverwork

1884, upper pipe from above pair. It has screw mounts and also has the wing bone extension. From the Johnny Long Collection

1884 screw mount detail. From the Johnny Long Collection

“We have much pleasure in presenting our New Catalogue illustrating some of the principal shapes and specialities in our celebrated EB WB Briar Pipes.

Our pipes being so well known and universally known (without the artificial aid of advertisements), we will not here dwell on their perfection, but would ask you to kindly peruse this book, which will no doubt introduce to you some new patterns.
If you are not already a smoker of our pipes, we hope that it will lead to your giving them a trial and thus testing their quality and workmanship, we ourselves being confident of your ultimate judgment and satisfaction. Every department of our factory being under our own practical and personal supervision, ensures every pipe turned out by us coming under our direct notice. This fact, coupled with the excellence of the materials used in their manufacture, has given our pipes a reputation second to none in the smoking world, a reputation we firmly intend to maintain and strengthen.

B. BARLING & SONS.

London”

- Preface to the first edition of B. Barling & Sons catalogue of pipes - Printed by Unwin Brothers - The Gresham Press - date unknown but typography suggests the mid ‘teens to early 1920’s.

The Company

Barling is a great name in pipes among smokers and collectors alike. Originally the Barlings were silversmiths in England during the latter part of the 1700's, with their silver mountings first appearing on pipes in 1812. The company received recognition of their work at the Great Exhibition of 1851 for their display of a set of “Silver-mounted meerschaum smoking pipes.” - Official Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of 1851 - page 147
Over the ensuing years the company gained and maintained an enviable reputation for the excellent smoking characteristics of their pipes, in addition to their unique interpretation of classic shapes, and the development of some "new" classics. Though not the first English company to carve pipes from Briar, (that distinction being given to Loewe’s who first introduced briar pipes to English smokers in 1856 - “Loewe of the Haymarket - 1926) the Barling Company supplied exquisite silver fitments to briar bowls turned by others.

Gage believes that the Barling Company did not turn their own bowls until some time around 1909. In their single-minded pursuit of perfection, B. Barling and Sons used only the very choicest of old growth air seasoned Algerian briar. “Legendary” is the term most often applied to the smoking properties of these pipes.

According to Richard Carleton Hacker, the Barling family sold the company to the Imperial Tobacco Company in 1960. However, Barling expert, Tad Gage indicates in his oft-cited Pipes and Tobacco Magazine article (spring 2000 issue) that the date was 1962. It has recently come to light that letters exist, which were written by Montague Barling from the period of April thru June of 1962, when the Barling Company presented pipes to celebrity pipe smokers to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the company. So at that time it appears that Monte was still president. In addition we have included photos of a military bit billiard that has all of the correct “family era” stampings and a 1961 year hallmark. According to a retired Director of B. Barling and Sons, the date of sale was 1962. So for the purpose of this article the latter date will be applied.

After 150 years of ownership the family sold the business to Finlays, their biggest customer. Finlays operated a large chain of tobacconists known as the House of Bewlay. A director of Bewlay's, Ron Harden, was transferred to Barling to act as its General Manager. When the Imperial tobacco company bought Finlays they inherited the Barling Company.

The periods

Pre-trans Dublin, Smokingpipes.com

Barling has gone through three distinct periods, which dramatically effect collectability of the pipes. These are referred to as the Pre-Transition, Transition, and Post transition periods. The "Pre-Transition" pipes are highly sought after by collectors and have excellent smoking and aesthetic qualities. These pipes are famous for the "old wood" from which they were made.

Many of the early "Transition" pipes were made from Pre-Transition bowls, and by the same craftsman. Therefore, many of the early Transition pieces possess the same excellent qualities as the Pre-Transition pieces, yet, with the exceptions noted below, they are not easily identified from later Transition and Post Transition pieces, which were plagued by inferior materials and craftsmanship. While collectors do not prize the Transition pieces, some consider the early Transition pieces an excellent value.

The late transition, and Post Transition pipes have had a rocky road at best, though recent Barlings have shown a return to quality just not at the same level as the family era.

The literature is inconclusive on the exact dates of these periods. But the following is an attempt at reconciling the data. Much of the published material is anecdotal in nature. Most of the company’s archives were destroyed during WWII.

Catalogues

R. C. Hacker states, incorrectly, that B. Barling and Sons issued no catalogue prior to 1962. At least two catalogues are known to exist. The preface for the B. Barling and Sons catalogue is now included on this page as is a scan of the cover. In addition, Barling issued a brochure illustrating their various lines of pipes in 1957. - http://yeoldebriars.com/barling018.html NOTE: This site is Japanese and we suggest that it be accessed using Google’s translator. There is a wealth of information therein contained. In addition, the unintentional howlers created by the translator will provide a great deal of amusement.

The Pre-Transition catalogue includes model numbers for all illustrated pipes. The model numbers are 1 digit, 2 digits, 2 digits plus a letter, 3 digits, and 3 digits plus a letter. Cased sets are given the appellation “Special” and are assigned a 4 digit model number, beginning with a 1. Different sizes of the same shape are given unique model numbers that are not necessarily related. Also of interest, all of the models have a name. For example, model 6, which is a small ¼ bent billiard, is entitled “The Nymph” and the model 303, which is a larger ¼ bent silver spigot billiard is entitled “The Corinthian”. All illustrated pipes have either a military bit, spigot, or sterling band. The author here must confess to being amused at the idea of a dashing mustachioed officer of the Queen’s Regiment ordering a “Nymph”.

Pre-Transition

The Pre-Transition period extends to 1960 (Hacker) or 1962 (Gage and others). The Barling family controlled production up till this point. Quality was excellent, however some sources indicate a marked inconsistency in quality starting as early as 1954. These pipes were made from old growth Algerian briar of a quality no longer available. While many find the grain to be beautiful, this was not the aim of the Barling Company, and many of their pipes have rather unremarkable grain. The Barling Company’s intent was simple, to create the finest smoking instruments in the history of the world. Many connoisseurs believe that they achieved that goal admirably.
In addition to the smoking qualities of their wood, the Barling Company outfitted their bowls with hand made stems that many consider to be the most comfortable ever created. Their engineering is beyond reproach. Their silver work remains unsurpassed.

Pre- Trans Nomenclature

Pre-trans Lovat, Smokershaven.com

Before discussing the nomenclature of the Pre-Transition or “family era” pipes it is

important to note that there are no absolutes. Barling pipes from this period show a remarkable degree of variation when it comes to nomenclature. The following information can be applied in general.

Barling 1909 Silver Spigot Billiard, Courtesy Finepipes.com

Barling c. 1930 EXEXEL-Sized Classic Bent Billiard, courtesy, FinePipes.com

According to Tad Gage, Pre-1946 stampings are minimal. No size, shape numbers, or

even grading appears on most pipes before World War II. Some shape numbers appear on certain pipes, but these markings are difficult to interpret. Most Barlings from this period were distributed to pipe shops and department stores in the British Isles, and often carried the shop's name. It is common to find only a small "BARLINGS MAKE" stamped in block capital letters, with BARLINGS over MAKE. Many of the older pipes feature sterling silver fitments, which make dating a simple mater of looking up London hallmarks, and the "EB WB" makers’ mark.

Also according to Tad Gage, the only four-digit number that denotes a Pre-Transition piece begins with "1," which was used for pipes sold in England. Any other four-digit Barling pipe is a Transitional piece-- (Tad Gage in P & T magazine). However, Gage also cites a possible exception to this rule, which will be pointed out in the section concerning Transition nomenclature.

The earliest Barling pipes, those from the 19th century and the earliest part of the 20th century, lack a “Barling’s Make” stamp. They are identified by the “EB” over “WB” sterling makers’ mark. In addition these pipes will have the name of the tobacconist or dealer stamped into the shank. According to Gage, Barling did not make bowls, but provided silver fitments for bowls made by others.
At some point during the first decade of the 20th century a “Barling’s Make” logo begins to be stamped on the pipes in addition to the Dealer stamp. Again according to Gage, this represents the period when Barling began to manufacture its own bowls. This logo consists of an arched “BARLING’S” over the word “MAKE”, in block letters, and will continue to appear on all Barling pipes, with the notable exception of the Guinea Grain grade, until the sale of the company.
An interesting briar calabash shape from 1908 features the dealer’s name on the LH side with the “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp on the verso in a secondary placement. Since Gage suggests that the Barling Company didn’t begin turning its own bowls until some time around 1909, this may represent one of the earliest pipes made entirely by the Barling Company. The famous “MADE IN ENGLAND.” stamp does not yet exist. The word “ENGLND” is placed below the “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp. There is no crossed Barlings logo on the stem.
Sometime prior to 1913, the “Ye Olde Wood” stamp makes its appearance on selected pipes. An example exists stamped on a 1913 date hallmarked pipe. This logo will continue to be used in the decades to come. Eventually, “Ye Olde Wood” will be stamped on nearly every pipe made and will come to represent the company to the world. It is not known when the crossed Barling stem logo first appeared, but an example exists on a pipe with a 1923 date hallmark.
During the 1930’s the “Barling’s Make” logo undergoes a style change, smaller in size with simpler block lettering. Model numbers will occasionally be stamped below the logo. These model numbers may be 4 digits beginning with a 1 for the English and European market. For the “overseas” market 3 digits, 2 digits and a letter, or 2 digits will be used. The “MADE IN ENGLAND.” stamp is also in use. As with all things related to the Barling nomenclature there are variations. Sometimes there is no “MADE IN ENGLAND.” stamp. Examples exist with a “MADE IN LONDON” over “ENGLAND” stamp. And, there are examples with “MADE IN ENGLAND” with no period after the word “ENGLAND”. These variations appear to be few and far between. The 2 digit and letter variety also have an extra collar on the tenon which may have originally held an aluminum tube. In the ‘30’s the Barling Company experimented with a aluminum tube pipe called a “trotube”. Later the Pre-Transition company made a line of filtered pipes called the “CYG-Smoker”.
A script “Barling’s” logo is used for the Pre-Transition Guinea Grain grade. In addition to the script “Barling’s” logo the pipes hare an “EB” and “Regd” stampings. And, horror of horrors, there are a few Pre-Transition pipes that have a script “Barling” logo.
It is not known precisely when Barling began to stamp the size onto their pipes but after the War, the practice becomes increasingly common. There are some variations cited in the range of size stampings, but the following are given with the understanding that this may be revised based on input from knowledgeable collectors. The sizes, going from the smallest to the largest are as follows: S ,S-M, M, L, EL, EXEL, EXEXEL, and G. Following the War, the small “BARLING’S MAKE” logo is discontinued and a larger logo is used. Model numbers, the so-called “Monte” numbers - named for Montague Barling - also called the Nichols system - come into common use. The TVF stamp, which stands for “The Very Finest” is applied to pipes with better grain figure. Sand blasts are stamped with the appellation “FOSSIL”. Late Pre-Transition pipes may have a plethora of stampings: the company logo, a “Ye Olde Wood” stamp, a grade or finish stamp like TVF, Special, or FOSSIL, a model number, and a “MADE IN ENGLAND.” stamp.

Pre-Trans Grades

Pre-Transition pipes come in a number of grades:

• Ye Olde Wood - sometimes referred to by collectors as YOW, which may have a dark or

plum stain - TVF may be a slightly higher grade of YOW

• Special - pipes with a nicer grain figure and which are left natural rather than stained dark
• Birdseye - pipes with particularly nice Birdseye grain - one of the rarest of Barling

stampings

• Guinea Grain - something between a flame grain and a straight grain - these pipes are the

only Pre-Transition Barling pipes that have a script “Barling’s” logo. They were also oil treated to bring out the contrast in the grain.

• Straight Grain - Barling’s highest grade - these don’t have model numbers.

In addition, in a category all by themselves, are the Quaints.
The Barling family prided themselves on producing flawless pipes with no fills or sand pits. In some cases, pipes with flaws would get a sandblast. Occasionally a pipe with exceptional grain, usually a straight grain, but flawed with a pit, would be hand carved into a wonderful and unique work of art. The bowl would be carved into panels, and/or fluted, and the offending areas would be covered with delicate traceries of a pleasing symmetrical design. No two are exactly alike. Each Quaint is a unique hand carved pipe. The Barling Company did not designate these pipes as “Quaints”. They were simply hand carved pipes. But, reflecting the work involved in their carving, these were priced at the same level as the straight grains.

As if this isn’t enough variety to keep the collector entertained, the Barling Company crafted numerous custom pipes on special order for their clientele. Special orders lack model numbers because they are not standard models.

Transition Period and Nomenclature

The early transitional Phase is considered to be 1962-1964; the first two years after the Barling family sold the company (Hacker indicates the transition started in 1960 as he dates the sale to 1960). The following pictures of a Barling apple with a sterling military bit also points to a later dating for the change of ownership and nomenclature than Hacker's 1960 date. It clearly shows hallmarks for the year 1961 and yet has all of the other accepted "Pre-Trans" stampings - 3 digit number, arched logo, etc... You can find the hallmark chart at this URL. Look at the entry for 1961 - slightly diagonal lowercase "f" in a beveled rectangular shield. It's a perfect match!

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The changes in nomenclature during the Transition period are difficult to follow. Regardless, while perhaps excellent smokers, early transition pipes are far less valuable to collectors than pre-transition.

Note: A catalog from 1962 has surfaced, which sheds some light on the transition period. All of the pipes feature a new script “Barling” logo. The arched block letter logo is gone. The catalog can be viewed at: http://pipepages.com/62bar1.htm

Initially, the transition company used the remaining stock of bowls that were turned by the original family run company, and then proceeded to turn more bowls with old wood remaining in inventory, and at least initially, this work was performed by many of the same craftsman. Some consider the early transition pipes to be an excellent value, while later transition pieces are nearly valueless, making it an exciting gamble for those so inclined!

The earliest Transition pieces feature the arched block BARLING’S MAKE stamp, “YE OLDE WOOD” stamp, and the “MADE IN ENGLAND.” Stamp, but have four-digit model numbers that begin with a 2 thru 7. These “BARLING’S MAKE” transition pipes feature logo stamps from several periods, including the small logo that was used before WW2. There are a number of stories that get told regarding these pipes, but the most logical conclusion is that the new owners used all the old stock, including bowls that were either mislaid and discovered or held back for reasons unknown.
These new beginning numbers replace the old size nomenclature. When the company changed hands existing stock was stamped and put into distribution. Besides discarding old size nomenclature, the TVF stamp was largely discarded by the transition company. Some examples show an old 3-digit model number stamp with an extra digit added at one end or the other.
Some of these pipes have a TVF stamp, and this is where Gage makes an exception to the model number rule. Since the TVF stamp was added prior to the finishing of the bowls, Gage identifies these pipes as Pre-Transition pieces.
Other Barling experts believe that all of the pipes that have the old arched block logo were made before the sale of the company and as such are Pre-Transition pieces regardless of the model number stamping. To see examples of these pipes go here: http://www.thesmoker.com/pipepages/barling1.html , which is the on line store for another respected Barling authority, Mel Feldman.

So one’s definition as to whether these particular pipes should be classified as Pre- Transition versus early Transition pieces relates directly to whether to classify by who made the pipe versus who stamped the pipe.

However one chooses to define them, these pipes will have the same smoking characteristics as the accepted Pre-Transition pipes for a fraction of the price.

As previously stated, the 1962 catalog clearly shows that a new logo is in place, a script “Barling”. So by 1962 no more pipes are being stamped with the old arched block logo.

The late Transitional Phase is considered to be 1962-1967. Speculation is that very little if any older wood remained in the factory after 1964. Most, if not all of the craftsman working under the Barling family had also have left by this time.

Later Transition Nomenclature

In November of 1962 B.Barling and Sons Ltd released the catalogue of its revamped line of pipes. In addition to a new script “Barling” logo, the company announced four grades of pipes, Standard, Sandblast, Garnet Grain, and Guinea Grain. Model numbers are 4-digits with the first number indicating the size. Size numbers range from 1-6. Occasionally one sees a “7” size number, but it doesn’t appear in the catalog. Specials continue to be produced.

The Transition version of the Guinea Grain is easily distinguished from the Pre- Transition pipe by the change to the logo. A Pre-Transition Guinea Grain has a script “Barling’s” logo. A Transition (and later) Guinea Grain has a script “Barling” logo. No apostrophe and no “s”.
The Barling Company also introduced its first lines of “seconds”, something that would not have happened under the family regime.
These lines of 2nd’s include:
Portland, London Brand, and BB&S (Bill Barling and Sons)
Handcut stems are transition.

Quaints continued to be made during this period. The initial Quaints continue the tradition. But at some point a decision was made to institute a line of Quaints, a half dozen or so repeated designs that are not unattractive but represent a faint ghost of the originals.

Post Transition Period and Nomenclature

The Post Transition period is commonly defined as beginning in 1968.
The company is moved to the Isle of Mann. Pipes are outsourced to Denmark to be made by several companies. Any Barling pipe that has a “Made In Denmark” stamp is a Post Transition piece.

• Post Transition pipes will have a “TVF” stamp.
• Post Transition pipes will also have both a 4 digit model number and the old size

nomenclature - a form of quaint redundancy.

Whereas the Transition Era pipes attempted to establish a separate identity by discarding old nomenclature and replacing it with new, the Post Transition Era pipes seek to capitalize on their heritage by restoring many of the old stampings.

New lines are introduced:

• "Regency", "Vintage", "Londoner", etc. are Post Transition.
• Molded stems are Post Transition.
• Poor grain and fills are Post Transition.

Summation

Excellent pipes were made in all periods. But the fine old growth Algerian briar that was used by the family during the Pre-Transition offer a smoking experience that is not duplicated during the later periods. Moreover, it is not duplicated by any other maker. Legends cannot be copied. Legends are unique.

The original Barlings were silversmiths in England during the latter part of the 1700's, with their silver mountings first appearing on pipes in 1812. The following Gallery photos are of a "Kalmasch" (German style) meerschaum carved in Vienna with silverwork done by Benjamin Barling (marked BB) in London, hallmarked 1850. From the Johnny Long Collection. Hallmark was authenticated by silver expert Giorgio Busetto, secretary of the ASCAS (silver association[[3]]). This 1850 meer will be featured in the ASCAS newsletter in May 2010.

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  1850 Kalmasch Meerschaum w/Barling Silverwork. Johnny Long Collection

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  1850 Meerschaum, Top maker and hallmark detail. The BB is for Benjamin Barling.

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  1850 Meerschaum, Hallmark (1850)

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  1850 Meerschaum, Silverwork

Sources

1. . Rare Smoke, Volume 1, by Richard Carleton Hacker
2. . Pipe.org discussion [5]
3. . Several A.S.P posts Michael Lindner[6], Mel Feldman[7], and others.
4. . Tad Gage article, Mysterious Barlings, pg.40, Spring 2000 edition of Pipes &

Tobacco Magazine.

1. . Mel Feldman's site: http://thesmoker.com/ generally has a lot of Barlings, with good

indications of the nomenclature as it relates to period of manufacture. Mel's contact information is: The Smoker, P.O. Box # 3036, Albany, NY 12203; Phone:(518) 462-1302 (Mon-Fri. 9:00am - 5:00pm). E-mail: mailto:pipes@thesmoker.com

Sources to check

• o 1962 Barling Retailer Catalog
• "A smoker's guide to Barling" by Tad Gage in "Pipe Friendly" vol. 1, # 3 pp. 7, 1995.
• Neill Archer Roan mentioned by E-mail that in researching a book he is writing he discovered a document indicating the sale of Barling took place in 1961.