Garfinkel

A. Garfinkel was a celebrated Washington, D.C. importer and retailer of pipes, tobaccos and cigars. The business was established about 1940, and closed in the summer of 1992. The founder was Arnold Garfinkel (1903-1988). Arnold was originally from Germany, and the family had been in the tobacco trade for two generations before him; his father had sold tobacco to Kaiser Wilhelm in Berlin. Arnold married Esther Kolker in 1940, and one of their children, Larry Garfinkel, was managing the shop by May of 1980.

Originally located at 720 14th Street, N.W., in April of 1980 A. Garfinkel advertised its move to 1585 I. Street, N.W. The new location of the shop was close to the White House, and a block from Lafayette Square.

In 1972, author Hugh Sidney wrote in Newsweek Magazine that while interviewing then President Richard M. Nixon he spotted some pipes and a tin of Garfinkel tobacco on Nixon's desk.

The shop was well known for imported tobacco blends sold under its own name; these were manufactured by Robert McConnell and Sobranie. A. Garfinkel carried pipes under its own name as well; these too were apparently manufactured elsewhere. Pipes were stamped A. Garfinkel, Wash D.C.; some are marked Algerian Briar and others simply Imported Briar. Many appear to be Made in France.

A. Garfinkel was also renowned for its house-brand cigars.