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Barling: Difference between revisions
→The 1962 150th Anniversary and Retailers’ Catalogs
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But interspersed between these pictures are other pictures of pipes with the new numbering system stamped into the shank. And ALL of those pipes also have the small “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp that was in use during the 1930’s and early ‘40’s. It makes more sense to assume that Barling was reintroducing the small stamp with the revised numbering system than to assume that a large number of unstamped pipes had been hanging around since the 1930’s, including six years of a world war during which time shipments of briar became a much lesser priority and makers were scrambling to find any stock that they could turn into product. | But interspersed between these pictures are other pictures of pipes with the new numbering system stamped into the shank. And ALL of those pipes also have the small “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp that was in use during the 1930’s and early ‘40’s. It makes more sense to assume that Barling was reintroducing the small stamp with the revised numbering system than to assume that a large number of unstamped pipes had been hanging around since the 1930’s, including six years of a world war during which time shipments of briar became a much lesser priority and makers were scrambling to find any stock that they could turn into product. | ||
<gallery caption="Barling’s Make pipes with the “transition” model numbers and wide view of the catalog page"> | <center><gallery perrow=4 caption="Barling’s Make pipes with the “transition” model numbers and wide view of the catalog page"> | ||
File:P21 scaled.jpg|Page 21 | File:P21 scaled.jpg|Page 21 | ||
File:6224 1 scaled.jpg|Model 6224 | File:6224 1 scaled.jpg|Model 6224 | ||
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File:3595-1 cropped.jpg|3595 Nomenclature | File:3595-1 cropped.jpg|3595 Nomenclature | ||
File:3599 2 cropped.jpg|3599 Nomenclature | File:3599 2 cropped.jpg|3599 Nomenclature | ||
</gallery> | </gallery></center> | ||
The catalog contains a listing of grades. From bottom to top these grades are: standard, sandblast (referred to as “fossil” in the stampings), Guinea Grain, Ye Olde Wood Special, Straight Grain, and Presentation Straight Grain. None of the previously published material from third party sources mentions that there were TWO grades of straight grain! | The catalog contains a listing of grades. From bottom to top these grades are: standard, sandblast (referred to as “fossil” in the stampings), Guinea Grain, Ye Olde Wood Special, Straight Grain, and Presentation Straight Grain. None of the previously published material from third party sources mentions that there were TWO grades of straight grain! | ||
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File:1962 Barling Retailers' Cat size chart.jpg|1962 retailers Catolog Size Chart | File:1962 Barling Retailers' Cat size chart.jpg|1962 retailers Catolog Size Chart | ||
</gallery></center> | </gallery></center> | ||
The grading system is simplified in the Retailers’ Catalog. There are now 4 grades, standard, sandblast, Garnet Grain, and Guinea Grain. | |||
The numbering system that was introduced in the 150th Anniversary Catalog has been retained. But, the numbers also include a size 1. So, with this new line of pipes we now find 4 digit numbers beginning with a 1. | |||
Based on the fact that the Barling Company felt compelled to produce two markedly different full catalogs months apart in 1962, especially in light of a prior dearth of such publications during 150 years of activity, we have to conclude that a remarkable sea change took place. The change in language on the frontispiece between the two catalogs underlines the nature of that change as the Barling family ceased to lead the company and ceased to be mentioned. | |||
We would suggest that the 150th Anniversary Catalog represents the apotheosis of the family era. And, based on both 1962 catalogs and their contents, we suggest that all pipes which bear the block “Barling’s over “Make” logo should be defined as Pre-Transition regardless of model number. Mel Feldman, the highly regarded expert on Barling, holds this view. | |||
As illustrated in the later 1962 Retailers’ Catalog it is the change of logo to a script “Barling” that begins the post family era and which signifies the era of production to be either “Transition” or “Post-Transition”, not model numbers. | |||
At the very least, these “BARLING’S MAKE” pipes from 1962 should not be grouped with the later product produced under Finlay’s control. If the fraternity of Barling collectors cannot accept these pipes a being pre-transition, then we need a new category, Early Transition. | |||
===Pre-Transition 1812 - 1962=== | |||
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.<br> | |||
These pipes were made from old growth “extra extra” grade Algerian briar, of a quality no longer available. Barling conducted their own harvesting operations, looking for roots that ranged from 80 - 150 years of age. 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.<br> | |||
As an interesting side note, the soft Algerian Briar was not initially prized, as it was prone to burnout. But Barlng took the time to properly age and season this carefully selected wood for between 3 and 5 years, before finishing. They also made pipes with thicker walls, which helped defend against burnout. The porous mature of this briar in excellent heat dispersion and provided a cool smoke. | |||
====Pre- Trans Nomenclature==== | |||
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 a general fashion. | |||
According to Tad Gage, Pre-1946 stampings are minimal. No size, shape numbers, or even grading appears on most pipes before World War II. Of course there are exceptions and we have included images of a Barling pipe with 1922 hallmarks that clearly shows an “EL” stamp and a “MADE IN ENGLAND” stamp. While one is tempted to speculate that the sterling olive could have been placed on a much later pipe, the “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp is correct for this period. | |||
<center><gallery perrow=4 caption="1922 hallmarked pipe with the “EL” stamping, Jesse Silver Collection"> | |||
File:1922 EL barling1.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling2.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling3.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling4.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling5.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling6.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling7.JPG | |||
File:1922 EL Barling8.JPG | |||
</gallery></center> | |||
Many Barling pipes made prior to 1909 lack any company markings except for the name of the shop that sold them. The only stamp that tells us that the pipe is a Barling is the sterling makers mark “EB” over “WB”. It is common to find only a small "BARLINGS MAKE" stamped in block capital letters, with an arched BARLING’S 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. | |||
According to Gage, Barling did not turn most of their bowls, but provided silver fitments for bowls turned by others. | |||
At some point during the final decade of the 19th century a “BARLING’S MAKE” logo begins to be occasionally stamped on the pipes in addition to the Dealer stamp. This logo consists of an arched “BARLING’S” over the word “MAKE”, in block letters, and will eventually appear on all Barling pipes, with the notable exception of the Guinea Grain grade, and the CYG-SMOKER until the sale of the company.<br> | |||
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 exclusively turning its own bowls until some time around 1909, this may represent one of the earliest pipes made entirely by the Barling Company. Instead of the famous “MADE IN ENGLAND.” the word “ENGLND” is placed below the “BARLING’S MAKE” stamp. There is no crossed Barlings logo on the stem. | |||
<center><gallery caption="1908 Calabash Shaped Briar Pipe"> | |||
</gallery></center> | |||
'''Several pages from the 1957 Sales Brochure:''' | '''Several pages from the 1957 Sales Brochure:''' | ||
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<gallery perrow=6 =caption"The 150th Anniversary catalog, courtesy Jesse Silver"> | <gallery perrow=6 =caption"The 150th Anniversary catalog, courtesy Jesse Silver"> | ||
File:Barling 150th Cat Cover scaled.jpg|150th Anniversary Catalog Cover | File:Barling 150th Cat Cover scaled.jpg|150th Anniversary Catalog Cover | ||
File:Receipt scaled.jpg|Receipt | File:Receipt scaled.jpg|Receipt | ||
File:Price List scaled.jpg|Price List | File:Price List scaled.jpg|Price List | ||