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Kirsten Pipe Company (view source)

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[[File:Kirsten Ad.jpg|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten.jpg|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:KirstenK.jpg|thumb|A nice example of a "K" Companion with the original box and pamplete, courtesy Doug Valitchki]]
[[File:KirstenLargeBowlAnnouncement.jpg|thumb|"Extra Large Bowl" Announcement, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:KirstenInfo1.jpg|thumb|Order Form, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:KirstenInfo2.jpg|thumb|Order Form back, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten-Diagram.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten-Diagram2.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten-AD.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten Patent.jpg|thumb|Kirsten Patent, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
[[File:Kirsten-1938Patent.png|thumb|1938 Kirsten Patent, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]
I'm a long-time lover of both Kirsten and The Doodler pipes, which I started smoking back in the late 1950s about the time I got out of the Army.
I'm a long-time lover of both Kirsten and The Doodler pipes, which I started smoking back in the late 1950s about the time I got out of the Army.


The Doodler was Tracey Mincer's latest innovation and was a wonderfully picturesque pipe, not to mention it was a great smoker. I smoked it through two or three replacement mouthpieces and eventually it got lost as my pipesmoking waned over the years.
The Doodler was Tracey Mincer's latest innovation and was a wonderfully picturesque pipe, not to mention it was a great smoker. I smoked it through two or three replacement mouthpieces and eventually it got lost as my pipesmoking waned over the years.


[[File:KirstenL09.jpg|thumb|Kirsten, Courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten Ad.jpg|thumb|left|Courtesy, Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten Patent.jpg|thumb|Kirsten Patent, courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten-1938Patent.png|thumb|1938 Kirsten Patent, courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten.jpg|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:KirstenK.jpg|thumb|A nice example of a "K" Companion with the original box and pamplete, courtesy Doug Valitchki]]The first and only Kirsten I had, had to be an old Companion model that came from one of the Kirsten cards you found in those days in some smoke shops. It might even have been in some small-town drugstore. If I recall correctly, it did not even have the Kirsten name on it - just "Companion".
The first and only Kirsten I had, had to be an old Companion model that came from one of the Kirsten cards you found in those days in some smoke shops. It might even have been in some small-town drugstore. If I recall correctly, it did not even have the Kirsten name on it - just "Companion".


It would be another four decades before I ran into the Kirstens again as I began buying and restoring old pipes. I had accumlated about a half dozen Kirstens from several lots I acquired and they lay around in my work area for several months before I decided to see what I could do with them.
It would be another four decades before I ran into the Kirstens again as I began buying and restoring old pipes. I had accumlated about a half dozen Kirstens from several lots I acquired and they lay around in my work area for several months before I decided to see what I could do with them.
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Since the pipe was invented in 1936 and some of the early pipes were stamped "PAT APPLIED FOR" it was easy to establish these as the Generation 1 pipes. But, although the basic pipe models offered in that generation - S for Standard, M for Medium and L for Large - continued to be produced after the stamping was changed  to "PATS & PATS PENDING" it appeared there would be some divisions even within the generations.
Since the pipe was invented in 1936 and some of the early pipes were stamped "PAT APPLIED FOR" it was easy to establish these as the Generation 1 pipes. But, although the basic pipe models offered in that generation - S for Standard, M for Medium and L for Large - continued to be produced after the stamping was changed  to "PATS & PATS PENDING" it appeared there would be some divisions even within the generations.


[[File:KirstenLargeBowlAnnouncement.jpg|thumb|"Extra Large Bowl" Announcement, Courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:KirstenInfo1.jpg|thumb|Order Form, courtesy Doug Valitchka]][File:KirstenInfo2.jpg|thumb|Order Form back, courtesy Doug Valitchka]]It was determined that the 'PAT APPLIED FOR" stamp was only used for a couple of years so I concluded that those pipes were probably produced in 1936 and were produced until 1938 and the ones stamped "PATS & PATS PENDING" were most probably made from around 1938 until about 1958 - a somewhat hypothetical date albeit maybe more accurate than we think when it comes to dividing the Kirstens into generations.
It was determined that the 'PAT APPLIED FOR" stamp was only used for a couple of years so I concluded that those pipes were probably produced in 1936 and were produced until 1938 and the ones stamped "PATS & PATS PENDING" were most probably made from around 1938 until about 1958 - a somewhat hypothetical date albeit maybe more accurate than we think when it comes to dividing the Kirstens into generations.


Lynn Kirsten, granddaughter of the founder and daughter of Gene Kirsten who ran the factory for many years, said the biggest change in models and pipemaking techniques took place around 1958 when the company was incorporated. She confirmed that clear records of year of manufacture, model types and styles, and other basic information about the Kirsten pipes had not been kept by the company.
Lynn Kirsten, granddaughter of the founder and daughter of Gene Kirsten who ran the factory for many years, said the biggest change in models and pipemaking techniques took place around 1958 when the company was incorporated. She confirmed that clear records of year of manufacture, model types and styles, and other basic information about the Kirsten pipes had not been kept by the company.
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There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. Take for instance what is referred to as the Kirsten "Thrifty," the only pipe I have run across that actually bears the Kirsten shield logo. Most Kirstens, with the exception of some of the Companions - as noted above - bear the Kirsten stamped script logo. The "Thrifty" has not just an "O" on only the valve but a black offset valve that works in reverse of all other Kirsten valves I have run across. Traditionally the valve on a Kirsten has a flat spot on one wide of its outer rim. When the flat spot is lined up with the bowl, an opening in the inner valve tube is aligned with the air hole in the bottom of the bowl and the pipe is ready to smoke. Adversely, when the flat spot is in any other position about the pipe, the hole is closed and no trapped liquids can run back into the bowl. But the "Thrifty's" flat spot, when lined up with the bowl, indicates the valve is closed so no trapped liquids can run back into the bowl and when it is in any other position the passageway to the bowl is open and the pipe can be smoked.
There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. Take for instance what is referred to as the Kirsten "Thrifty," the only pipe I have run across that actually bears the Kirsten shield logo. Most Kirstens, with the exception of some of the Companions - as noted above - bear the Kirsten stamped script logo. The "Thrifty" has not just an "O" on only the valve but a black offset valve that works in reverse of all other Kirsten valves I have run across. Traditionally the valve on a Kirsten has a flat spot on one wide of its outer rim. When the flat spot is lined up with the bowl, an opening in the inner valve tube is aligned with the air hole in the bottom of the bowl and the pipe is ready to smoke. Adversely, when the flat spot is in any other position about the pipe, the hole is closed and no trapped liquids can run back into the bowl. But the "Thrifty's" flat spot, when lined up with the bowl, indicates the valve is closed so no trapped liquids can run back into the bowl and when it is in any other position the passageway to the bowl is open and the pipe can be smoked.


== Gallery ==
<gallery widths=250px caption="Examples and details, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
<gallery widths=250px caption="Examples and details, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
File:KirstenL01.jpg
KirstenL01.jpg
File:KirstenL05.jpg
KirstenL05.jpg
File:KirstenL07.jpg
KirstenL07.jpg
File:KirstenL08.jpg
KirstenL08.jpg
File:KirstenL10.jpg
KirstenL09.jpg
File:KirstenL15.jpg
KirstenL10.jpg
File:Kirsten01.jpg
KirstenL15.jpg
File:Kirsten07.jpg
Kirsten01.jpg
File:Kirsten08.jpg
Kirsten07.jpg
File:Kirsten10.jpg
Kirsten08.jpg
File:Kirsten13.jpg
Kirsten10.jpg
Kirsten13.jpg
KirstenM01.jpg
KirstenM01.jpg
KirstenM07.jpg
KirstenM07.jpg
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</gallery>
</gallery>


[[File:Kirsten-Diagram.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten-Diagram2.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]][[File:Kirsten-AD.png|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]]It's variations like this that give some of the Kirstens extra individualty. There is one pipe, a Generation 1.5, that shows up occasionally and has an entirely different valve than any others. It is a pipe that I have never seen in old Kirsten catalogs or brochures. In addition to the different shaped valve, which has an "O" ring while the mouthpiece does not, the pipe has a flat top with no bowl basin on top of the radiator tube. It usually has the Kirsten script logo but never a model letter on it. It is a short, straight pipe.
== Variations ==
 
It's variations like this that give some of the Kirstens extra individualty. There is one pipe, a Generation 1.5, that shows up occasionally and has an entirely different valve than any others. It is a pipe that I have never seen in old Kirsten catalogs or brochures. In addition to the different shaped valve, which has an "O" ring while the mouthpiece does not, the pipe has a flat top with no bowl basin on top of the radiator tube. It usually has the Kirsten script logo but never a model letter on it. It is a short, straight pipe.
Kirstens are kept track of by their model numbers. The following table is an attempt by shape and generation to provide some guide to Kirstens and their genesis:
 
'''Sorting by Generations'''
 
 
'''1st Generation''' No O rings - stamped “Pat. Appl. For” and “Pats. & Pats. Pending”
 
Straights
 
Companion First edition in rough finish.
 
S Standard 1st generation with full-length cooling fins
 
M Medium
 
L Large


A Aristocrat Extra large 1st generation
Kirstens are kept track of by their model numbers. The following table is an attempt generation by and shape to provide some guide to Kirstens and their genesis:
 
* '''1st Generation''' No O rings - stamped “Pat. Appl. For” and “Pats. & Pats. Pending”
 
** Straights
'''1.5 Generation''' O rings either valve or mouthpiece, none on other end - stamped “Pat. Pending” and “Pats. & Pats. Pending”  some with “Made in U.S.A.”
*** Companion First edition in rough finish.
 
*** S Standard 1st generation with full-length cooling fins
Straights
*** M Medium
 
*** L Large
K  Companion
*** A Aristocrat Extra large 1st generation
 
* '''1.5 Generation''' O rings either valve or mouthpiece, none on other end - stamped “Pat. Pending” and “Pats. & Pats. Pending”  some with “Made in U.S.A.”
M Medium
** Straights
 
*** K  Companion
L Large
*** M Medium
 
*** L Large
 
* '''Other Transition Models'''
'''Other Transition Models'''
** Thrifty Nice early model with black offset valve that works in reverse -  O ring on valve, none on stem ... takes same mouthpiece as No Letter/No Name model
 
** No Letter/No Name Unmarked short pipe w/different valve and O ring, no O ring on stem
Thrifty Nice early model with black offset valve that works in reverse -  O ring on valve, none on stem ... takes same mouthpiece as No Letter/No Name model
* '''2nd Generation''' O rings - Stamped “Pat.  & Pats. Pending” and “Made in U.S.A.”
 
** Straights
No Letter/No Name Unmarked short pipe w/different valve and O ring, no O ring on stem
*** K  Companion
 
*** G Gem
 
*** S Sportsman
'''2nd Generation''' O rings - Stamped “Pat.  & Pats. Pending” and “Made in U.S.A.”
*** SX Sportsman Brass
 
*** M Mariner
Straights
*** MB Mariner Black
 
*** L Lancer
K  Companion
** Quarter-Bents
 
*** A Aladdin
G Gem
*** V Vagabond
 
*** CX Cavalier Brass
S Sportsman
*** T Tyrolean
 
** Full bents
SX Sportsman Brass
*** W Westerner
 
*** B Beau Geste
M Mariner
*** P Premier
 
*** F Firesider
MB Mariner Black
* '''3rd Generation''' O ring current models stamped “Made in U.S.A.”
 
** Straights
L Lancer
*** JX Jewel Brass
 
*** M Mariner
 
*** L Lancer
Quarter-Bents
** Quarter-Bents
 
*** RX Regent Brass
A Aladdin
*** H Horizon
 
** Full bents
V Vagabond
*** EX Esquire Brass
 
*** DX Designer Brass
CX Cavalier Brass
 
T Tyrolean
 
Full bents
 
W Westerner
 
B Beau Geste
 
P Premier
 
F Firesider
 
 
'''3rd Generation''' O ring current models stamped “Made in U.S.A.”
 
Straights
 
JX Jewel Brass
 
M Mariner
 
L Lancer
 
 
Quarter-Bents
 
RX Regent Brass
 
H Horizon
 
 
Full bents
 
EX Esquire Brass
 
DX Designer Brass
 
 
 
'''FOOTNOTE ON VARIATIONS IN LETTER DESIGNATIONS:'''
 
Generally speaking, the X added to a model letter like “S” stands for brasstone finish, i.e., “SX.” There is one exception to this: In the 1960s Kirsten made a brass tone model with an “Eternalum” finish that gave the brass tone an antiqued look. They were maked with a “X” designation following the model letter.
 
The B added to a model letter like “M” stands for black finish, i.e., “MB.”
 
Kirsten also made some cigarette holders in the '50s and '60s. There are three models, all in Hand Polished finish:
 
'''Cigarette holders'''
 
Long model 5-inch
 
Medium model 4-1/4 inch
 
Short Model 3-1/8 inch


'''FOOTNOTE ON VARIATIONS IN LETTER DESIGNATIONS'''
Generally speaking, the X added to a model letter like “S” stands for brasstone finish, i.e., “SX”. There is one exception to this: In the 1960s Kirsten made a brass tone model with an “Eternalum” finish that gave the brass tone an antiqued look. They were maked with a “X” designation following the model letter. The B added to a model letter like “M” stands for black finish, i.e., “MB”.


As you can see there is an almost unlimited combination of Kirstens before you even get into the bowls they offer. In the early years a lot of the Kirsten bowls were made by Kaywoodie and fit the top of the pipe's radiator stem tightly without the aid of a bowl adapter. Later models came out with a bowl adapter, somewhere during the transition period.
As you can see there is an almost unlimited combination of Kirstens before you even get into the bowls they offer. In the early years a lot of the Kirsten bowls were made by Kaywoodie and fit the top of the pipe's radiator stem tightly without the aid of a bowl adapter. Later models came out with a bowl adapter, somewhere during the transition period.
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Dave Whitney - pipesbywhitney (on eBay)
Dave Whitney - pipesbywhitney (on eBay)
Link
http://www.kirstenpipe.com/


<gallery widths=300 heights=200 caption="Kirsten Brochure, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
== Cigarette holders ==
Kirsten also made some cigarette holders in the '50s and '60s. There are three models, all in Hand Polished finish:
* Long model 5-inch
* Medium model 4-1/4 inch
* Short Model 3-1/8 inch
 
== Brochure ==
<gallery mode="slideshow" caption="Kirsten Brochure, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
KirstenBrochure01.jpg
KirstenBrochure01.jpg
KirstenBrochure02.jpg
KirstenBrochure02.jpg
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KirstenBrochure11.jpg
KirstenBrochure11.jpg
KirstenBrochure12.jpg
KirstenBrochure12.jpg
</gallery>


</gallery>
== Contact Information ==
Website http://www.kirstenpipe.com/


[[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]]
[[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]]
[[Category: United States]]
[[Category: United States]]
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