Kirsten Pipe Company: Difference between revisions

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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.
[[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.


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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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.


<center><gallery widths=250px caption="A nice example, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
== Gallery ==
File:KirstenL01.jpg
<gallery widths=250px caption="Examples and details, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
File:KirstenL05.jpg
KirstenL01.jpg
File:KirstenL07.jpg
KirstenL05.jpg
File:KirstenL08.jpg
KirstenL07.jpg
File:KirstenL10.jpg
KirstenL08.jpg
File:KirstenL15.jpg
KirstenL09.jpg
</gallery></center>
KirstenL10.jpg
KirstenL15.jpg
Kirsten01.jpg
Kirsten07.jpg
Kirsten08.jpg
Kirsten10.jpg
Kirsten13.jpg
KirstenM01.jpg
KirstenM07.jpg
KirstenM08.jpg
KirstenM09.jpg
</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:
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
*** 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
* '''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.”
** Straights
*** K  Companion
*** M Medium
*** L Large
* '''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
* '''2nd Generation''' O rings - Stamped “Pat.  & Pats. Pending” and “Made in U.S.A.”
** Straights
*** K  Companion
*** G Gem
*** S Sportsman
*** SX Sportsman Brass
*** M Mariner
*** MB Mariner Black
*** L Lancer
** Quarter-Bents
*** A Aladdin
*** V Vagabond
*** 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'''
'''Sorting by Generations'''
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.


'''1st Generation''' No O rings - stamped “Pat. Appl. For” and “Pats. & Pats. Pending”
The Kaywoodie bowls are generally not stamped with anything. Bowls made by Kirsten have the Kirsten stamp on the bottom, but it is not clear when this stamping began.
Gene Kirsten is quoted as once telling a reporter something like: "We don't make bowls for good looks, we make bowls for good smoking." He had a point because some of the early and transition bowls have pits in them but they all seem to be excellent smokers.


Straights
The more traditional Kirsten bowl models are the Columbus, Dynasty and Mandarin although there have been many models over the years from which one could choose. Some, like the carved meerschaums and Staghorn, are real works of art. Meerschaums can still be purchased but the Staghorns, actually carved from briar, have moved into the collectibile category.


Companion First edition in rough finish.
Kirsten produces sandblasted, carved, smooth and rusticated bowls and combinations thereof. No two Kirsten bowls are ever exactly alike although many of them are made by machine. There are some plain and some with outstanding graining. Kirsten bowls come in various sizes to fit everything from the tiny Gem and Aladdin models of the first generation to the giant Designer model of the current generation. And they are all interchangeable.


S Standard 1st generation with full-length cooling fins
I have even found corncob bowls made especially for the Kirsten by, I assume, one of the giant corncob manufacturers from the Washington, Mo., area. The rarest find has been a The Doodler bowl that required a modification to parts of the Kirsten pipe to make a good match. It is unsmoked, and from the condition and Kirsten model that was modified I have to assume it was made under the direct supervision, if not by himself, of Tracy Mincer before his death in 1964.


M Medium
Dave Whitney - pipesbywhitney (on eBay)
 
L Large
 
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.”
 
Straights
 
K  Companion
 
M Medium
 
L Large
 
 
'''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
 
 
'''2nd Generation''' O rings - Stamped “Pat.  & Pats. Pending” and “Made in U.S.A.”
 
Straights
 
K  Companion
 
G Gem
 
S Sportsman
 
SX Sportsman Brass
 
M Mariner
 
MB Mariner Black
 
L Lancer
 
 
Quarter-Bents
 
A Aladdin
 
V Vagabond
 
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.”


== Cigarette holders ==
Kirsten also made some cigarette holders in the '50s and '60s. There are three models, all in Hand Polished finish:
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


'''Cigarette holders'''
== Care Pamphlet and Brochure ==
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" caption="Kirsten Care Pamphlet, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
Long model 5-inch
KirstenBrochure01.jpg
 
KirstenBrochure02.jpg
Medium model 4-1/4 inch
KirstenBrochure03.jpg
 
KirstenBrochure04.jpg
Short Model 3-1/8 inch
KirstenBrochure05.jpg
 
KirstenBrochure06.jpg
KirstenBrochure07.jpg
KirstenBrochure08.jpg
KirstenBrochure09.jpg
KirstenBrochure10.jpg
KirstenBrochure11.jpg
KirstenBrochure12.jpg
</gallery>


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.


The Kaywoodie bowls are generally not stamped with anything. Bowls made by Kirsten have the Kirsten stamp on the bottom, but it is not clear when this stamping began.
Gene Kirsten is quoted as once telling a reporter something like: "We don't make bowls for good looks, we make bowls for good smoking." He had a point because some of the early and transition bowls have pits in them but they all seem to be excellent smokers.


The more traditional Kirsten bowl models are the Columbus, Dynasty and Mandarin although there have been many models over the years from which one could choose. Some, like the carved meerschaums and Staghorn, are real works of art. Meerschaums can still be purchased but the Staghorns, actually carved from briar, have moved into the collectibile category.
<gallery mode="slideshow" caption="Kirsten Brochure, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
kirsten1.jpg
kirsten2.jpg
kirsten3.jpg
kirsten4.jpg
kirsten5.jpg
kirsten6.jpg
kirsten7.jpg
kirsten8.jpg
kirsten9.jpg
kirsten10.jpg
kirsten11.jpg
</gallery>


Kirsten produces sandblasted, carved, smooth and rusticated bowls and combinations thereof. No two Kirsten bowls are ever exactly alike although many of them are made by machine. There are some plain and some with outstanding graining. Kirsten bowls come in various sizes to fit everything from the tiny Gem and Aladdin models of the first generation to the giant Designer model of the current generation. And they are all interchangeable.
== Catalog ==
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" caption="1976-1977 Kirsten Catalog, courtesy Doug Valitchka">
I have even found corncob bowls made especially for the Kirsten by, I assume, one of the giant corncob manufacturers from the Washington, Mo., area. The rarest find has been a The Doodler bowl that required a modification to parts of the Kirsten pipe to make a good match. It is unsmoked, and from the condition and Kirsten model that was modified I have to assume it was made under the direct supervision, if not by himself, of Tracy Mincer before his death in 1964.
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-751.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-752.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-753.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-754.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-755.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-756.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-757.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-758.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-759.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-761.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7510.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7511.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7512.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7513.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7514.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7515.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7516.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7517.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7518.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7519.jpg
File:Kirsten1976-77Catalog-7520.jpg
</gallery>


Dave Whitney - pipesbywhitney (on eBay)
== Contact Information ==
Link
Website http://www.kirstenpipe.com/
http://www.kirstenpipe.com/


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