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''This is an ongoing effort to adapt information from the Collector's Guide to Kaywoodie Pipes into Pipedia articles. The Guide was first compiled by Chris Keene for his pipe pages at [http://chriskeene.com/ ChrisKeene.com]. Chris used source material from Robert W. Stokes, Ph.D and additional support materials from Bill Feuerbach III, of the [[S.M. Frank]] Co.. Many thanks to these dedicated pipemen for their work in compiling this material.''
[[File:Kaywoodie twinbowl1.jpg|thumb|300px|TWIN-BOWL KAYWOODIE, "Removable inner bowl of purest meerschaum in an outer bowl of the rare old Flame Grain briar. The coolest pipe to smoke ever designed", courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-14ChrisKeen.com ChrisKeene.com]]][[File:Kaywoodie twinbowl2.jpg|thumb|"The All-Meerschaum Twin-Bowl is one of the handsomest and most distinctive pipes ever made. One of the two removable inner bowls “rests” while the other one “works.”" Courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-14ChrisKeen.com ChrisKeene.com]]]''This is an ongoing effort to adapt information from the Collector's Guide to Kaywoodie Pipes into Pipedia articles. The Guide was first compiled by Chris Keene for his pipe pages at [http://chriskeene.com/ ChrisKeene.com]. Chris used source material from Robert W. Stokes, Ph.D and additional support materials from Bill Feuerbach III, of the [[S.M. Frank]] Co.. Many thanks to these dedicated pipemen for their work in compiling this material.''


'''''by Robert W. Stokes, Ph.D'''''
'''''by Robert W. Stokes, Ph.D'''''


= Introduction =
= Introduction =
[[File:Kwg-introimage.jpg|thumb|400px|"on the town . .  on the campus . . for leisure and pleasure, smoking a Kaywoodie Pipe is, more than ever, the badge of the modern masculine male" (Kaywoodie ad, circa 1960), courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-5 ChrisKeene.com]]]Pipesmokers who were born before 1950 have probably, at one time or another, smoked a Kaywoodie Pipe. As recently as the early 1970's, many local drugstores had extensive Kaywoodie Pipe displays. These later Kaywoodies, however, were generally lacquered "hand-burners" that probably did more to discourage pipesmoking than any recent anti-smoking campaigns. Unfortunately, it is this image of later Kaywoodies that is most prevalent with the majority of pipesmokers/collectors today. Contrary to this perception of all Kaywoodies as "drugstore pipes", many of the early Kaywoodie Pipes were quality briars that were available in an extensive range of shapes.
[[File:Kwg-introimage.jpg|thumb|300px|"on the town . .  on the campus . . for leisure and pleasure, smoking a Kaywoodie Pipe is, more than ever, the badge of the modern masculine male" (Kaywoodie ad, circa 1960), courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-5 ChrisKeene.com]]]Pipesmokers who were born before 1950 have probably, at one time or another, smoked a Kaywoodie Pipe. As recently as the early 1970's, many local drugstores had extensive Kaywoodie Pipe displays. These later Kaywoodies, however, were generally lacquered "hand-burners" that probably did more to discourage pipesmoking than any recent anti-smoking campaigns. Unfortunately, it is this image of later Kaywoodies that is most prevalent with the majority of pipesmokers/collectors today. Contrary to this perception of all Kaywoodies as "drugstore pipes", many of the early Kaywoodie Pipes were quality briars that were available in an extensive range of shapes.


In recent years, many collectors have "re-discovered" Kaywoodie Pipes. Ads for Kaywoodies, and/or requests for information concerning these pipes, have appeared in pipesmoking and related journals with increasing frequency in recent years. Readily available and reliable information on Kaywoodie Pipes, however, is virtually non-existent. It is unfortunate that with the increasing popularity of pipe collecting in this country, U.S. pipe smoking history has largely been ignored. In its heyday, Kaywoodie Pipes was the world's largest consumer of briar and, contrary to popular belief, produced some extremely high quality smoking pipes, many incorporating innovative design features.
In recent years, many collectors have "re-discovered" Kaywoodie Pipes. Ads for Kaywoodies, and/or requests for information concerning these pipes, have appeared in pipesmoking and related journals with increasing frequency in recent years. Readily available and reliable information on Kaywoodie Pipes, however, is virtually non-existent. It is unfortunate that with the increasing popularity of pipe collecting in this country, U.S. pipe smoking history has largely been ignored. In its heyday, Kaywoodie Pipes was the world's largest consumer of briar and, contrary to popular belief, produced some extremely high quality smoking pipes, many incorporating innovative design features.
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This monograph is an initial attempt at documenting the Kaywoodie story. This should be viewed as an "initial attempt" in that it is based on information extracted from only a few catalogs and correspondence with a limited number of Kaywoodie collectors. The catalogs reviewed in this research span the period from 1936 to 1969 in roughly ten-year increments. Because of the gaps in catalogs, it is highly likely that there are many "holes" in the information presented here. The information available on pre­-1936 Kaywoodies, for example, is particularly vague and is largely speculative in nature. It is hoped that this initial attempt will provide a useful point of departure for future, more exhaustive research on this important, interesting, but neglected era in American pipesmoking history.
This monograph is an initial attempt at documenting the Kaywoodie story. This should be viewed as an "initial attempt" in that it is based on information extracted from only a few catalogs and correspondence with a limited number of Kaywoodie collectors. The catalogs reviewed in this research span the period from 1936 to 1969 in roughly ten-year increments. Because of the gaps in catalogs, it is highly likely that there are many "holes" in the information presented here. The information available on pre­-1936 Kaywoodies, for example, is particularly vague and is largely speculative in nature. It is hoped that this initial attempt will provide a useful point of departure for future, more exhaustive research on this important, interesting, but neglected era in American pipesmoking history.


== A BRIEF HISTORY OF KAYWOODIE PIPES ==
= A BRIEF HISTORY OF KAYWOODIE PIPES =
[[File:Kwg-2.0.image1(DrinklessFilter).jpg|thumb|Kaywoodie Synchro-Stem and Drinkless Filter, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-6 ChrisKeene.com]][[File:Kwg-6 (28pipeSet).jpg|thumb|28 pipe set, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-6 ChrisKeene.com]]]According to Hacker (1), the firm of Kaufmann Brothers and Bondy (KB&B) began producing the Kaywoodie (2) Pipe in 1915. Hacker notes that:
[[File:Kwg-2.0.image1(DrinklessFilter).jpg|thumb|Kaywoodie Synchro-Stem and Drinkless Filter, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-6 ChrisKeene.com]][[File:Kwg-6 (28pipeSet).jpg|thumb|28 pipe set, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-6 ChrisKeene.com]]]According to Hacker (1), the firm of [[Kaufmann Bros. & Bondy]] (KB&B) began producing the Kaywoodie (2) Pipe in 1915. Hacker notes that:


:''"The company was originally started in 1851 in New York by two brothers named Kaufman[n], who sold meerschaums and clays that a third :brother sent them from Vienna. Business thrived and in 1854 the Kaufman[n]s took in a partner named Bondy. ... The three partners retired :in 1898, but their relatives continued on with the firm, which had begun to manufacture their own briar pipes under the KB&B trademark. :In 1915 the Kaywoodie brand was created as a marketing umbrella for a new briar pipe which the KB&B company introduced. ..."'''
:''"The company was originally started in 1851 in New York by two brothers named Kaufmann, who sold meerschaums and clays that a third :brother sent them from Vienna. Business thrived and in 1854 the Kaufmanns took in a partner named Bondy. ... The three partners retired :in 1898, but their relatives continued on with the firm, which had begun to manufacture their own briar pipes under the KB&B trademark. :In 1915 the Kaywoodie brand was created as a marketing umbrella for a new briar pipe which the KB&B company introduced. ..."'''


The "marketing umbrella" mentioned by Hacker included lower grade Kaywoodies that were later marketed under the "Yello-Bole" name. (According to a 1948 Yello-Bole catalog, "Yello-Boles have been on the market since 1933. About 25 millions of these pipes have been sold"). Hacker concludes his history of Kaywoodie Pipes by noting that:
The "marketing umbrella" mentioned by Hacker included lower grade Kaywoodies that were later marketed under the "Yello-Bole" name. (According to a 1948 Yello-Bole catalog, "Yello-Boles have been on the market since 1933. About 25 millions of these pipes have been sold"). Hacker concludes his history of Kaywoodie Pipes by noting that:
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The S.M. Frank Co. now owns the Kaywoodie name, but no longer makes pipes. However, Italian made "drugstore" grade Kaywoodies are still being marketed in this country. These Italian-made Kaywoodies have a "white­outline" cloverleaf logo.
The S.M. Frank Co. now owns the Kaywoodie name, but no longer makes pipes. However, Italian made "drugstore" grade Kaywoodies are still being marketed in this country. These Italian-made Kaywoodies have a "white­outline" cloverleaf logo.


'''Pipedia Editor's Note:''' Thankfully, Kaywoodies are again being made in the U.S. [https://pipedia.org/wiki/Kaywoodie#Recent_History]  
'''Pipedia Editor's Note:''' Thankfully, Kaywoodies are again being made in the U.S. [https://pipedia.org/wiki/Kaywoodie#Recent_History]
== ANNOTATED CHRONOLOGY OF KAYWOODIE PIPES (1936-1969) ==
 
= ANNOTATED CHRONOLOGY OF KAYWOODIE PIPES (1936-1969) =
Throughout much of the 1940's, 50's and 60's, the Kaywoodie family of pipes consisted of 11 basic grades of briar pipes; though new grades were frequently added to the line and some older grades were discontinued or downgraded. These 11 basic grades of pipes, listed in ascending order of quality, were:
Throughout much of the 1940's, 50's and 60's, the Kaywoodie family of pipes consisted of 11 basic grades of briar pipes; though new grades were frequently added to the line and some older grades were discontinued or downgraded. These 11 basic grades of pipes, listed in ascending order of quality, were:


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=== THE 1936 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ===
== THE 1936 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ==
The 1936 Kaywoodie catalog lists only four grades of pipes (Table 1). These four grades, however, were available in 140 shapes (see Appendix). These 140 shapes included many that differed only in size (small, medium, large). For example, the "In-Between", "Colt" and "Freshman" shapes listed in the Appendix were merely smaller versions of the standard shapes, and the "E-Z-Set" shapes were "flat-bottom" versions of the standard shapes.
The 1936 Kaywoodie catalog lists only four grades of pipes (Table 1). These four grades, however, were available in 140 shapes (see Appendix). These 140 shapes included many that differed only in size (small, medium, large). For example, the "In-Between", "Colt" and "Freshman" shapes listed in the Appendix were merely smaller versions of the standard shapes, and the "E-Z-Set" shapes were "flat-bottom" versions of the standard shapes.


'''Kaywoodie Pipe Grades and Prices (1936)'''<br>
'''Table 1: Kaywoodie Pipe Grades and Prices (1936)'''<br>
*'''Straight Grain''': $10.00
*'''Straight Grain''': $10.00
*'''Super Grain''': $5.00
*'''Super Grain''': $5.00
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The workingman's pipe in the 1936 catalog was the Drinkless Kaywoodie. The Drinkless Kaywoodie sold for $3.50 and came in the following four finishes: 1) Thorn (sandblast); 2) Walnut ("rich, warm brown that blends perfectly with brown suits, tweeds and brown hats"); 3) Suntan ("light summer-pipe color to go with light-color fabrics"); and 4) Dark ("rich cherry red").
The workingman's pipe in the 1936 catalog was the Drinkless Kaywoodie. The Drinkless Kaywoodie sold for $3.50 and came in the following four finishes: 1) Thorn (sandblast); 2) Walnut ("rich, warm brown that blends perfectly with brown suits, tweeds and brown hats"); 3) Suntan ("light summer-pipe color to go with light-color fabrics"); and 4) Dark ("rich cherry red").


=== THE 1947 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ===
== THE 1947 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ==
[[File:Kaywoodie kwg-3.3.oversize2.jpg|thumb|1947 Kaywoodie Oversize Pipes, courtesy, [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-8 ChrisKeene.com]]]
[[File:Kaywoodie kwg-3.3.oversize2.jpg|thumb|1947 Kaywoodie Oversize Pipes, courtesy, [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-8 ChrisKeene.com]]]
[[File:Kaywoodie kwg-3.3.oversize3.jpg|thumb|1947 Kaywoodie Oversize Pipes, courtesy, [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-8 ChrisKeene.com]]]The 1947 Kaywoodie catalog shows 12 grades of briar pipes and introduces the Kaywoodie Block Meerschaum (Table 2). The briar pipes were available in 69 shapes (See Appendix). In addition to these individual pipes, the 1947 catalog shows two- and seven-pipe matched grain sets(5).
[[File:Kaywoodie kwg-3.3.oversize3.jpg|thumb|1947 Kaywoodie Oversize Pipes, courtesy, [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-8 ChrisKeene.com]]]The 1947 Kaywoodie catalog shows 12 grades of briar pipes and introduces the Kaywoodie Block Meerschaum (Table 2). The briar pipes were available in 69 shapes (See Appendix). In addition to these individual pipes, the 1947 catalog shows two- and seven-pipe matched grain sets(5).
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'''1947 Kaywoodie Pipe Grades and Prices (1947)'''
'''Table 2: 1947 Kaywoodie Pipe Grades and Prices (1947)'''


*'''Connoisseur''': $15.00
*'''Connoisseur''': $15.00
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*'''Seven-Pipe Matched Grain Setc''': $125.00
*'''Seven-Pipe Matched Grain Setc''': $125.00


 
== THE 1955 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ==
=== THE 1955 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ===
The line-up of pipes in the 1955 catalog (Table 3) was more extensive than in previous years. The catalog presented an expanded line of meerschaum pipes and introduced a 4-pipe set of Matched Grain Pipes, as well as several pipes with "special features". The number of shapes available (see Appendix), however, was not substantially different from the number offered in the 1947 catalog.
The line-up of pipes in the 1955 catalog (Table 3) was more extensive than in previous years. The catalog presented an expanded line of meerschaum pipes and introduced a 4-pipe set of Matched Grain Pipes, as well as several pipes with "special features". The number of shapes available (see Appendix), however, was not substantially different from the number offered in the 1947 catalog.
The "star" of the 1955 catalog was the Meerschaum Character Pipe. According to the catalog, "A very limited number of these [block] meerschaum character pipes are carved by Kaywoodie sculptors . . . each a true-life reproduction of a famous man." The famous men honored on these pipes included: George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; Thomas Jefferson; Andrew Jackson; Stonewall Jackson; Daniel Boone; Theodore Roosevelt; Sir Walter Raleigh; and Mephisto.
The "star" of the 1955 catalog was the Meerschaum Character Pipe. According to the catalog, "A very limited number of these [block] meerschaum character pipes are carved by Kaywoodie sculptors . . . each a true-life reproduction of a famous man." The famous men honored on these pipes included: George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; Thomas Jefferson; Andrew Jackson; Stonewall Jackson; Daniel Boone; Theodore Roosevelt; Sir Walter Raleigh; and Mephisto.
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*'''Meerschaum/Flame Grain Twin Bowl''': $25.00
*'''Meerschaum/Flame Grain Twin Bowl''': $25.00
*'''Sandblasted “Doctor’s” Pipe''': $25.00
*'''Sandblasted “Doctor’s” Pipe''': $25.00
*'''Centenniala''': $25.00
*'''Centennial''': $25.00
*'''Coral Meerschaum''': $20.00-25 (According to size)
*'''Coral Meerschaum''': $20.00-25 (According to size)
*'''Gourd Calabash''': $15.00-25 (According to size)
*'''Gourd Calabash''': $15.00-25 (According to size)
*'''Ninety-Fivera''': $20.00
*'''Ninety-Fiver''': $20.00
*'''Oversize''': $10.00-25(According to style and finish)
*'''Oversize''': $10.00-25(According to style and finish)
*'''Connoisseura''': $15.00
*'''Connoisseur''': $15.00
*'''All Briar w/Meerschaum Inlaid Bowl''': $12.50
*'''All Briar w/Meerschaum Inlaid Bowl''': $12.50
*'''Flame Grain (Meerschaum Inlaid)a''': $12.50
*'''Flame Grain (Meerschaum Inlaid)a''': $12.50
*'''Export Pipes''': $5.00-15 (According to grade)
*'''Export Pipes''': $5.00-15 (According to grade)
*'''All Briar (Briar Bit)''': $10.00
*'''All Briar (Briar Bit)''': $10.00
*'''Flame Graina''': $10.00
*'''Flame Grain''': $10.00
*'''Fit Rite''': $10.00
*'''Fit Rite''': $10.00
*'''Silhouettea''': $10.00
*'''Silhouette''': $10.00
*'''Carburetora''': $7.50
*'''Carburetor''': $7.50
*'''Relief Graina''': $7.50
*'''Relief Grain''': $7.50
*'''Chesterfield''': $5.00-15 (According to grade)
*'''Chesterfield''': $5.00-15 (According to grade)
*'''Chinrester''': $5.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Chinrester''': $5.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Stembiter''': $5.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Stembiter''': $5.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Streamliner''': $4.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Streamliner''': $4.00-10 (According to grade)
*'''Super Graina''': $5.00
*'''Super Grain''': $5.00
*'''Carved Super Graina''': $5.00
*'''Carved Super Grain''': $5.00
*'''White Briar''': $5.00
*'''White Briar''': $5.00
*'''Standard''': $4.00
*'''Standard''': $4.00
*'''Filter Plus''': $4.00
*'''Filter Plus''': $4.00
*'''Drinkless pupa''': $3.50
*'''Drinkless pup''': $3.50
*'''Drinkless Tuckaway''': $3.50
*'''Drinkless Tuckaway''': $3.50
*'''Drinkless In-Between''': $3.50
*'''Drinkless In-Between''': $3.50
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*'''Matched Grain Set (7-Pipes)''': $125.00
*'''Matched Grain Set (7-Pipes)''': $125.00


=== THE 1968-69 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ===
== THE 1968-69 KAYWOODIE LINE OF PIPES ==
The 1968-69 catalog offered an interesting assortment of traditional and free-hand styles (Table 4). The traditional pipes were available in over 50 shapes (see Appendix). The Birdseye and Straight Grain pipes were the top-of-the-line, selling for $100 each. Every Birdseye and Straight Grain pipe was registered and, according to the catalog, would "be serviced for life".
The 1968-69 catalog offered an interesting assortment of traditional and free-hand styles (Table 4). The traditional pipes were available in over 50 shapes (see Appendix). The Birdseye and Straight Grain pipes were the top-of-the-line, selling for $100 each. Every Birdseye and Straight Grain pipe was registered and, according to the catalog, would "be serviced for life".


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**'''7 Pipesa''': $250.00
**'''7 Pipesa''': $250.00


=== NOTES ON KAYWOODIES INTRODUCED BETWEEN 1955 AND 1968 ===
== NOTES ON KAYWOODIES INTRODUCED BETWEEN 1955 AND 1968 ==
The material presented in this monograph is extracted from 1936, 1947, 1955, 1968-69, and four undated Kaywoodie catalogs. Based on a comparison of prices in the 1955 and 1968-69 catalogs, the four undated catalogs appear to span the period from the late 1950's to the late 1960's (i.e., after 1955 but before 1968). This section presents a brief summary of the Kaywoodie Pipes that appeared in these undated catalogs, but did not appear in either the 1955 or 1968-69 catalogs. Table 5 lists Kaywoodie shape numbers that were introduced between 1955 and 1968
The material presented in this monograph is extracted from 1936, 1947, 1955, 1968-69, and four undated Kaywoodie catalogs. Based on a comparison of prices in the 1955 and 1968-69 catalogs, the four undated catalogs appear to span the period from the late 1950's to the late 1960's (i.e., after 1955 but before 1968). This section presents a brief summary of the Kaywoodie Pipes that appeared in these undated catalogs, but did not appear in either the 1955 or 1968-69 catalogs. Table 5 lists Kaywoodie shape numbers that were introduced between 1955 and 1968


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== NOTES ON "OTHER” KAYWOODIE PIPES ==
[[File:Kaywoodie OtherPipes kwg-26i.jpg|thumb|400px|Kaywoodie Stembiter and Chinrester, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-12 ChrisKeene.bom]]]The previous sections of this Chapter summarize information taken from eight Kaywoodie Catalogs from the period 1936 to 1969. Because of the gaps in the catalogs, it is highly likely that many "holes" exist in the material presented in this monograph. This section presents a brief overview of some Kaywoodie Pipes that did not appear in any of the catalogs consulted in this research. The information on these pipes was provided by W.R. "Bill" Lowndes (a well-known Kaywoodie Collector from California).
*'''[[Mission Briar]]'''. WWII vintage Manzanita pipe. Not marked "Kaywoodie". Lowndes notes that one of the two in his collection has a KBB leaf on the shank.
*'''Drinkless Shellcraft'''. This pipe had a large, non-threaded fitment. The white logo on the bit was shaped like the Kaywoodie fitment. Some had KBB leaf on the shank. Lowndes notes that his Shellcraft does not have Kaywoodie shape numbers.
*'''Gale.''' Lowndes notes that he has two: No. 17 dublin (Flame Grain with small white logo, extra large fitment, and a metal rim on top with a sliding windscreen); No. 07 large billiard (with same large fitment as dublin, but no logo).
*'''Heritage'''. Lowndes suggests that the Heritage pipes were introduced in the 1960's to compete with Dunhill. No fitments. Smooth finish called "Heirloom", sandblast called "Antique". Lowndes notes that there was a carved Heritage similar to Barling Quaints. Pipes were not marked "Kaywoodie", and logo on bit is a double diamond. Lowndes notes that the Heritage pipes in his collection are small to medium-­size pipes and have Kaywoodie shape numbers. Lowndes suggests there may have been a special Heritage catalog.
*'''Rock Ambera.''' Bakelite bits with appearance of amber. From the 1930's and 1940's. Most were marked "Rock Ambera". Some have shanks stamped with cloverleaf around KBB, but no ampersand (like Yello Boles). (Other Kaywoodies with KBB stamping on shank also come with and without the ampersand, according to Lowndes.) Rock Ambera pipes had a black cloverleaf on the bits. (Lowndes notes that he has a Flame Grain Rock Ambera which is not stamped "Rock Ambera", and has the black-in-white logo).12
*'''English Kaywoodies'''. All of the catalogs reviewed in this research contained the following copyright notification: Printed in U.S.A., Kaufmann Bros. & Bondy, Inc., New York and London. Kaywoodie Pipe cases and smoker's accessories were also marked with "New York and London". The catalogs, however, do not present any information concerning Kaywoodie's London operations, or how the English Kaywoodies might have differed from those manufactured and marketed in the U.S. Lowndes notes that he has several English Kaywoodies acquired in
*'''Vaduz and Zurich'''. English Kaywoodies are now made by Oppenheimer pipes. Lowndes notes that English Kaywoodies with the "screw-in bit" come in Ruby Grain, Custom Grain, Standard, and Relief Grain grades. The traditional push-bit models come in Continental Plain and Relief, London Made, Minaret, Airway Polished No. 707, and Lightweight grades. Prices in 1985 ranged from 9.50 (pounds) to 26.00 (pounds). Lowndes notes that the Super Star was a special edition English Kaywoodie made of finest briar with a handmade silver band. Lowndes has two: one from Zurich with a large white-outlined logo, and beautifully cased; and one in walnut finish with the black-­in-white logo. A recent catalog shows the Super Star without a band and the ordinary small white logo. A 1985 letter from Oppenheimer states that the black-in-white logo has been discontinued and only the regular white logo is now used.
= HINTS ON COLLECTING, DATING AND PRICING KAYWOODIES =
[[File:Kaywoodie Filter kwg-13insert.jpg|thumb|400px|Kaywoodie Filter Plus, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-13 ChrisKeene.com]]][[File:Kaywoodie Filter filter-plus.jpg|thumb|400px|Filter Plus Flyer, courtesy [http://chriskeene.com/kwg-13 ChrisKeene.com]]]It should be clear from the preceding chronology that the firm of KB&B probably produced hundreds of thousands of pipes in the years since 1915. There is certainly no shortage of Kaywoodies today., The mid- and low-grade pipes are available in abundance at flea markets and estate sales, and from numerous pipe traders/collectors.
Flea markets are particularly fruitful hunting grounds for Kaywoodie Pipes. Many gems have been discovered among the dusty, heavily oxidized pipes that have found their way to flea markets around the country. The author has found 4-digit Super Grains, Connoisseurs, Flame Grains, and 4-digit pre-fitment Kaywoodies at flea markets for less than $5 each.
Another obvious source of Kaywoodies is other collectors. This source is particularly useful for the rarer, high-grade Kaywoodies. A number of pipe collecting journals carry ads from Kaywoodie collectors and can be a valuable source of general information concerning Kaywoodies, as well as in identifying other Kaywoodie collectors. Readers who may not be familiar with these publications should consult their local tobacconist for details. In fact, pipe shops that deal in estate (pre-smoked) pipes should not be over­looked as a possible source for Kaywoodie Pipes. Additionally, there has been a recent proliferation of mail-order pipe dealers who occasionally offer Kaywoodie Pipes. These dealers frequently advertise in various pipe smoking journals and can be another potentially useful source for Kaywoodie Pipes.
While there does not appear to be a shortage of Kaywoodie Pipes, there is a serious lack of guidelines for accurately dating and pricing Kaywoodie Pipes. Like most pipemakers, KB&B did not use any consistent, easily identifiable system for dating their pipes. Hence, only the following, general guidelines for dating Kaywoodies can be suggested.
*'''Check the Shape Numbers'''. If the pipe has a 4-digit shape number, the pipe is probably of "pre-1936" vintage. If the pipe has a 4-digit shape number and does not have the threaded fitment, it is probably from before 1925. The information in Chapter 3 on pipe grades, along with the shape lists in the Appendix, can, also be useful in dating a pipe. Because grades and shapes frequently changed, this information can be useful in establishing an approximate date, especially if the pipe in question is of an unusual shape and/or grade. Fortunately, the older, more desirable Kaywoodies (i.e., those of pre-1936 vintage) can be identified by their 4-digit shape numbers.
*'''Examine Logo, Stampings and Fitment'''. The pre-WWII Kaywoodies had elongated white cloverleaf logos and large screw-in fitments (with the possible exception of the pre-1925 and "export" Kaywoodies, which had no fitments). Some of the pre-1936 Kaywoodies were stamped (on the shank) with a cloverleaf around KBB. Sometime between 1936 and 1947, the better pipes were marked with a black cloverleaf inside a white dot. However, because many of the pipes in the 1968-69 catalog still show this type of logo, the black-in-white logo merely indicates a "post 1936" vintage. Current (Italian-made) Kaywoodies have the "white outline" logo.
With the exception of the early (pre-1936) pipes, it is very difficult to date Kaywoodies precisely. Typically, one must rely upon "guestimates" based on a number of factors. As a final suggestion, it never hurts to ask the seller/owner about the history of the pipe (it may turnout that the owner of the pipe knows approximately when the pipe was purchased).
Because there are relatively few Kaywoodie collectors (the number appears to be growing, however), and because there is a general lack of knowledge concerning the basic hierarchy of Kaywoodie Pipes, there does not appear to be a widely accepted pricing scale for Kaywoodie Pipes. As an example, a leading mail-order pipe company recently offered low-grade Kaywoodies (Signet, "600") at the same (or higher) prices than Flame and Matched Grain Kaywoodies. Based on very limited information, the current dealer's price for Flame Grain grade Kaywoodies appears to be in the range of S25 to $35, depending on condition.
The annual inflation rate in this country has averaged about 4% per year since 1950. At this rate, 1988 consumer prices are about double the 1968 prices. The dealer price of $25 to $35 for Flame Grain grade Kaywoodies, then, appears reasonable13 (as shown in Table 4, Kaywoodie Flame Grains sold for $15 in 1968-69). Therefore, as a rough rule-of-thumb, one could simply double the 1968-69 prices given in Table 4 (see Section 3.4) to estimate "current prices" of Kaywoodie Pipes. This, of course, should not be taken as a hard-and-fast rule, as a number of other factors such as condition, age and 'rarity can significantly affect prices. The seller's knowledge (or lack of knowledge) also affects price. As noted earlier, Kaywoodie prices may be substantially lower at flea markets and estate sales. (Prices can also be substantially higher if the seller believes that a pipe is "old" and/or "rare"). Perhaps the best source of information on the current value of Kaywoodie Pipes, is other (knowledgeable) Kaywoodie collectors. Of course, the bottom line on the value of any collectible is what the collector is "willing to pay".
As a final note, the Kaywoodie collector should bear in mind that, with the possible exception of the older, higher grade pipes, there is currently no shortage of Kaywoodies. For the collector who is willing to shop-around, it is still possible to develop an extensive collection of Kaywoodie Pipes without spending a great deal of money.
= APPENDIX KAYWOODIE SHAPE NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTIONS =


== A Partial Chronology of Kaywoodie Grades, Shapes and Prices (1936 - 1969) ==
== A Partial Chronology of Kaywoodie Grades, Shapes and Prices (1936 - 1969) ==
Line 695: Line 735:
*99B - Squat Bulldog, Square Shank, Bent Flush Bit
*99B - Squat Bulldog, Square Shank, Bent Flush Bit
*99S - Squat Bulldog, Square Shank, Bent Saddle Bit
*99S - Squat Bulldog, Square Shank, Bent Saddle Bit
= ENDNOTES =
1. Hacker, R.C. The Ultimate Pipe Book. Autumngold Publishing, Beverly Hills, CA, 1984, pp. 256­-259.
2. William Lowndes, a well-known Kaywoodie Collector from California, suggests that KB&B may have experimented with other names before settling on "Kaywoodie". Lowndes notes that he has an early KB&B Pipe stamped "Dinwoodie".
3. Author's Note: Lowndes suggests that the Kaywoodie "Drinkless" (screw-in filter) fitment was introduced about 1925. The Synchro-Stem and Drinkless names refer to complementary elements of a single design feature. "Synchro-Stem" refers to the threaded insert in the shank of the pipe that accommodates the "Drinkless" metal filter in the bit of the pipe.
4. As an aside, the 1936 catalog introduces the Carburetor as "the newest Kaywoodie". However, the author has a Carburetor with a four-digit shape number; suggesting that the practice of using four-digit shape numbers was discontinued in the years just prior to 1936
5. In The Ultimate Pipe Book (p. 256), Hacker mentions sets of twelve and fourteen pipes of matching briar. The twelve and fourteen pipe sets mentioned by Hacker do not appear in any of the catalogs reviewed in this research.
6. The appearance of the Centennial pipe in 1947 seems somewhat premature. If the founding of the firm is taken as 1851 (see Chapter 2), the firm's centennial would have been in 1951.
7. Subsequent Kaywoodie catalogs do not show the "Hercules", "John Henry", or "Paul Bunyan" oversize styles.
8. A 1938 Yello-Bole catalog contains a photograph of a "Jumbo" Chesterfield. The pipe in the photo has a four-digit shape number (No. 3068C). This would suggest that: 1) the Kaywoodie Chesterfield was available much earlier than 1955 (but wasn't shown in earlier Kaywoodie catalogs); and 2) the use of 4-digit shape numbers continued into the mid-30's (e.g., the photo used in the 1938 Yello-Bole catalog could have been a pre-1936 "file photo").
9. The Stembiter pipe was shown in a 1938 Yello-Bole catalog and, like the Chesterfield pipe, may have been in the Kaywoodie line before 1955
10. Lowndes suggests that another series of Collector's (shapes 11C-16C) may have been available in the early 1970's
11. A 1947 catalog notes that "The mouthpiece [Bits] of Kaywoodie Pipes are 'canted' slightly to the left when new. Regular use will shortly bring them into perfect alignment."
12.Author's note: The 1955 catalog offers pipes with matching briar pipe rests (called "Briar Mates"). The Flame Grain Briar Mates were available in a choice of Black or "Yellow Ambera Bits". Also see "Presentation Block Meerschaum" (Section 3.5).
13. Pre_smoked pipes, however, generally sell for about one-half the "new" price. On the other hand, it could be argued that briar prices have increased faster than prices for most other consumer goods and the dealer prices quoted above may still be reasonable, even for pre-smoked pipes.
'''Table 2 Notes:'''<br>
a) Small (half-size) versions of 3.50, 5, 7.50, and $10 grades.<br>
b) In case lined with velvet and satin.<br>
c) In morocco leather case, lined with white satin and velvet.
'''Table 3 Notes:'''<br>
a) These pipes are described in the previous section of this Chapter.<br>
b) See Table 4.<br>
'''Table 4 Notes:'''<br>
a) These pipes are described in the previous section of this Chapter.
'''Table 5 Notes:'''<br>
a)These are shape numbers and/or descriptions that did not appear in any of the catalogs
summarized in Sections 3.1-3.4.<br>
b)These numbers appeared in the 1936 catalog with different descriptions (see Appendix).
   
   
[[Category:Kaywoodie]]
[[Category:Kaywoodie]]
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