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Barling: Difference between revisions
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===Pre-Transition=== | ===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. | 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. | ||
[[Image:BarlingBent.jpg|thumb|center|A pre-transition Barling bent exhibiting better than average grain. Pre-Transition Barling bent pipes are rare. - Courtesy of Mike Ahmadi ]] | |||
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. | 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. | ||
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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.<br> | 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.<br> | ||
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. | 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. | ||
[[Image:BarlingBentFossil.jpg|thumb|center|Pre-Transition Barling Bent Fossil (sandblast). Bent Fossils are very rare. Note the wonderful sandblast - Courtesy of Mike Ahmadi]] | |||
''''''Note the beautiful deep blast on this Pre-War custom shaped sandblast, courtesy Jesse Silver Collection:''''' | ''''''Note the beautiful deep blast on this Pre-War custom shaped sandblast, courtesy Jesse Silver Collection:''''' | ||