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Revision as of 17:25, 12 May 2008
Courtesy of "Pipendoge" Jörg Rolf Lehmann
Rainer Barbi started with the production of pipes in 1974. He can therefore be regarded as the "senior" of the German freehand pipe makers, although he really has the spirit of a young person. I first met Rainer in 2001, when he hosted a presentation of his pipes in the city of Bünde, at Otto Pollner's place, who was the grand-master of pipe-turners in Germany.
There is no doubt, Rainer is one of the very best pipe makers in the world today, which is very remarkable for someone who started out as an autodidact(self-taught). Barbi can be proud of his work, they are amongst the most popular pieces worldwide.
I like all the pipes of Barbi very much, without exception, a style of his own is unmistakable and the recogntion value of a Barbi is great. Many of his pipes are finished very brightly and the grain contrast stands out more and more with use of the pipe.
It should be pointed out that Barbi, despite his success and being honored with a prestigious award in the USA, quite consciously maintains the German market and also makes pipes to accept 9mm filters, which are popular in Germany. However, these are just as beautiful and delicate as his pipes which are not fitted to accept filters.
Barbi uses different decorating materials and finishes. Cumberland mouthpieces were apparently very popular with early pipes. Barbi is a strong advocate of the use of tobacco chamber coating (charcoal/graphite/tumbler), and there is no doubt, his coating is great.
Barbi makes both smooth and sand-blasted pipes. I have also seen meerschaum pipes with his brandname.
Barbi has used various identifying marks on his pipes during the more than 30 years of his pipe making. I have seen older pieces (drilled to accept 6mm filter) with the stamp "Styled by Barbi" (without grades) and a golden signature stamp "R. Barbi" on the stem.
The current pieces are stamped "r. barbi - handarbeit" and a delicate "r.b." on the stem. This design on the stem is slightly raised. As to how this is done, it is a secret which other pipe carvers envy.
Contact information:
Rainer does not sell pipes directly. Here is his list of dealers and distributors that carry his pipes. He is happy to offer information, advice and practical help to those interested in his pipes. Rainer Barbi Dorfstraße 5a 21502 Worth, Germany Phone: +49 4152-82932 Fax:+49 4152-878513 Website: Rainer Barbi Email: mailto:rainerbarbi@aol.com