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Extraordinary Ephemera: Catalogs as a glimpse into a bygone smoking era: Difference between revisions
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The value of an old catalog is subjective, while the information is often invaluable. As my friend, Ross Seyfried, states, “When you open an old catalog you are looking at reality, not opinion.” He uses old weapons catalogs as a basis to determine the value of a collectible gun. A more relevant example of an old catalog’s utility comes from someone much more knowledgeable than I on the history of Dunhill, http://www.cakeanddottle.com on March 2, 2014: “The modern shape catalog doesn't match the shape catalog of 50 years ago. I understand that they had to streamline in an era of decreased consumption, but it separates the brand into two distinct eras that are so irreconcilable as to practically be different brands.” That’s good information for a Dunhill pipe collector, but how would he have known this unless he had access to the catalogs of both periods? | The value of an old catalog is subjective, while the information is often invaluable. As my friend, Ross Seyfried, states, “When you open an old catalog you are looking at reality, not opinion.” He uses old weapons catalogs as a basis to determine the value of a collectible gun. A more relevant example of an old catalog’s utility comes from someone much more knowledgeable than I on the history of Dunhill, http://www.cakeanddottle.com on March 2, 2014: “The modern shape catalog doesn't match the shape catalog of 50 years ago. I understand that they had to streamline in an era of decreased consumption, but it separates the brand into two distinct eras that are so irreconcilable as to practically be different brands.” That’s good information for a Dunhill pipe collector, but how would he have known this unless he had access to the catalogs of both periods? | ||
From http://www.rebornpipes.com: “For me these old catalogues from an earlier time always are delightful to read and remind me of some of old pipe shops that I have enjoyed throughout my life.” As misterlowercase posted on pipesmagazine.com: “For those who haven't seen them, the old catalogs are fun to look through, and I especially appreciate the fact that they’re available for online viewing, because the actual printed physical object itself usually sells for mad money too, and they don't pop up that often.” Chris Keene’s website, Chris’ Pipe Pages, exhibits many vintage catalogs; according to http://www.smokingpipes.com, his website is one of the top 10 resources for pipe smokers. Samuel Goldberger posted catalogs from W. Ø. Larsen (1961-2), Pipe Dan (1961-2), and Dunhill, ''About Smoke'' (1927) on his website, http://www.finepipes.com. And the December 1951 Dunhill catalog can be viewed at http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/1951-dunhill-catalog-very-very-very-image-heavy. In April 2013, an associate and I created a virtual museum on Facebook, The Tobacco Pipe Artistory. To date we have posted about 20 ''really old'' factory catalogs of [[ | From http://www.rebornpipes.com: “For me these old catalogues from an earlier time always are delightful to read and remind me of some of old pipe shops that I have enjoyed throughout my life.” As misterlowercase posted on pipesmagazine.com: “For those who haven't seen them, the old catalogs are fun to look through, and I especially appreciate the fact that they’re available for online viewing, because the actual printed physical object itself usually sells for mad money too, and they don't pop up that often.” Chris Keene’s website, Chris’ Pipe Pages, exhibits many vintage catalogs; according to http://www.smokingpipes.com, his website is one of the top 10 resources for pipe smokers. Samuel Goldberger posted catalogs from W. Ø. Larsen (1961-2), Pipe Dan (1961-2), and Dunhill, ''About Smoke'' (1927) on his website, http://www.finepipes.com. And the December 1951 Dunhill catalog can be viewed at http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/1951-dunhill-catalog-very-very-very-image-heavy. In April 2013, an associate and I created a virtual museum on Facebook, The Tobacco Pipe Artistory. To date we have posted about 20 ''really old'' factory catalogs of [[clay]], meerschaum, porcelain, and wood pipes that can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/tobaccopipeartistory/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums. Yet many say that clicking through web pages doesn't compare to the tactile hard copy. I can relate to that. | ||
Are old catalogs worthwhile acquisitions? It depends. The really informative ones are as scarce as hens’ teeth; many fetch big bucks nowadays. AbeBooks.com suggests: “If owning the true first edition is beyond your budget, don't despair—you can still experience classic books with facsimile editions.” And Gary Schrier has taken up this very cause for pipe aficionados. His company, Briar Books Press, has assumed the mission to revive vintage catalogs, and so far he has reprinted exacting facsimiles of a few early 20th century British catalogs, Dunhill, BBB, and Loewé. May he continue to prosper, print and propagate! | Are old catalogs worthwhile acquisitions? It depends. The really informative ones are as scarce as hens’ teeth; many fetch big bucks nowadays. AbeBooks.com suggests: “If owning the true first edition is beyond your budget, don't despair—you can still experience classic books with facsimile editions.” And Gary Schrier has taken up this very cause for pipe aficionados. His company, Briar Books Press, has assumed the mission to revive vintage catalogs, and so far he has reprinted exacting facsimiles of a few early 20th century British catalogs, Dunhill, BBB, and Loewé. May he continue to prosper, print and propagate! | ||