Barling: Difference between revisions

Initially, the transition company used the remaining stock of bowls that were turned by the original family run company, and then proceeded to turn more bowls with old wood remaining in inventory, and at least initially, this work was performed by many of the

same craftsman. Some consider the early transition pipes to be an excellent value, while later transition pieces are nearly valueless, making it an exciting gamble for those so inclined!

The earliest Transition pieces feature the arched block '''BARLING’S MAKE''' stamp, “'''YE OLDE WOOD'''” stamp, and the “'''MADE IN ENGLAND'''.” Stamp, but have four-digit model numbers that begin with a 2 thru 7. These “BARLING’S MAKE” transition pipes feature logo stamps from several periods, including the small logo that was used before WW2. There are a number of stories that get told regarding these pipes, but the most logical conclusion is that the new owners used all the old stock, including bowls that were either mislaid and discovered or held back for reasons unknown.<br>

These new beginning numbers replace the old size nomenclature. When the company changed hands existing stock was stamped and put into distribution. Besides discarding old size nomenclature, the '''TVF''' stamp was largely discarded by the transition company.

Some examples show an old 3-digit model number stamp with an extra digit added at one end or the other.

Some of these pipes have a '''TVF''' stamp, and this is where Gage makes an exception to the model number rule. Since the '''TVF''' stamp was added prior to the finishing of the bowls, Gage identifies these pipes as Pre-Transition pieces.<br>

http://www.thesmoker.com/pipepages/barling1.html , which is the on line store for another respected Barling authority, Mel Feldman.

So one’s definition as to whether these particular pipes should be classified as Pre-Transition versus early Transition pieces relates directly to whether to classify by who made the pipe versus who stamped the pipe.

However one chooses to define them, these pipes will have the same smoking characteristics as the accepted Pre-Transition pipes for a fraction of the price.

 

The late Transitional Phase is considered to be 1962-1967. Speculation is that very little if any older wood remained in the factory after 1964. Most, if not all of the craftsman working under the Barling family had also have left by this time.