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The beginning wasn't free of conflicts and turbulences, for initially not all conceivabilities of Hansen and Noltensmeier concured thoroughly with Bang's. The latter was deeply impressed with the enormous success of Preben Holm, who managed a real pipe factory with more than 40 people at this time and produced high-value pipes in huge numbers. Svend Bang wasn't unwilling to see his business developing into this direction. Also detail questions had to be clarified. For instance, Bang found hand-cut mouthpieces too costly and time- consuming - His young pipemakers however were set on meticulous, complete handwork in every aspect and using the very best materials exclusively. Bang finally let convince himself by the success of the absolute quality Hansen and Noltensmeier produced. Fortunately, one would like to add. | The beginning wasn't free of conflicts and turbulences, for initially not all conceivabilities of Hansen and Noltensmeier concured thoroughly with Bang's. The latter was deeply impressed with the enormous success of Preben Holm, who managed a real pipe factory with more than 40 people at this time and produced high-value pipes in huge numbers. Svend Bang wasn't unwilling to see his business developing into this direction. Also detail questions had to be clarified. For instance, Bang found hand-cut mouthpieces too costly and time- consuming - His young pipemakers however were set on meticulous, complete handwork in every aspect and using the very best materials exclusively. Bang finally let convince himself by the success of the absolute quality Hansen and Noltensmeier produced. Fortunately, one would like to add. | ||
The success of these high-grade pipes soon exceeded the capabilities. By the end of 1975 the workshop bursted at the seams. So, in 1976 Bang's Pibemageri resettled in Struenseegade 9 in Copenhagen's northern area where it is yet today. | The overwhelming worldwide success of these high-grade pipes soon exceeded the capabilities. By the end of 1975 the workshop bursted at the seams. So, in 1976 Bang's Pibemageri resettled in Struenseegade 9 in Copenhagen's northern area where it is yet today. | ||
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[[Image:Bang Pipe05.jpg|left|thumb|]][[Image:Bang Pipe06.jpg|right|thumb|]] | [[Image:Bang Pipe05.jpg|left|thumb|]][[Image:Bang Pipe06.jpg|right|thumb|]] | ||
[[Image:Bang Pipe07.jpg|left|thumb|]] | [[Image:Bang Pipe07.jpg|left|thumb|]] | ||
Svend Bang | After the grim end of his pipemaking efforts Svend Bang took up other meritorious activities. He was a very active member of '''The Nordic Smokers' Guild''' and became one of founders and following editors of the magazine '''Piber & Tobak''' started in 1978. He was also heavily involved in the arrangements of the first national competitions in pipe- smoking in Denmark. | ||
Svend Bang retired in 1984. Evidently he felt a great deal of pride in the product that he initiated throughout his career and retirement and until his death in 1993. | |||
Once Hansen and Noltensmeier took over the company (in 1984) they knew it was best to retain the S. Bang name - the two carvers always shared the same philosophy about that. Noltensmeier and Hansen were determined to maintain top quality at the expense of increased numbers. | Once Hansen and Noltensmeier took over the company (in 1984) they knew it was best to retain the S. Bang name - the two carvers always shared the same philosophy about that. Noltensmeier and Hansen were determined to maintain top quality at the expense of increased numbers. The only change they made concerns the stamping on the pipes changing from the English version "COPENHAGEN" to the Danish "KOBENHAVN". | ||
Still, they are two separate carvers, with their own styles and preferences. Each makes his own pipes - there is no "assembly line" construction at S. Bang. They bounce ideas off of each other, of course, and admit that when problems arise in a pipe, it is nice to have a partner to discuss them with. | Still, they are two separate carvers, with their own styles and preferences. Each makes his own pipes - there is no "assembly line" construction at S. Bang. They bounce ideas off of each other, of course, and admit that when problems arise in a pipe, it is nice to have a partner to discuss them with. | ||
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Bang pipes are noted for the high definition and fine contrast in the grain. They undergo a double staining process to achieve that effect. The technique makes the grain leap from the bowl of the pipe, making well-grained wood become extra ordinary. The same coloring, however, will produce different results in different pieces of briar, making each pipe truly individual. | Bang pipes are noted for the high definition and fine contrast in the grain. They undergo a double staining process to achieve that effect. The technique makes the grain leap from the bowl of the pipe, making well-grained wood become extra ordinary. The same coloring, however, will produce different results in different pieces of briar, making each pipe truly individual. | ||
Per Hansen is the designated sandblasting artist for the team. He personally takes those pieces that are to be sandblasted to [[Stanwell]], and is permitted to use the sandblasting equipment himself. That is the only S. Bang process, though, that is not executed by the individual carver of each pipe. Everything else, including the famous S. Bang silverwork, is done in the shop by each of the carvers on his own pipes | Per Hansen is the designated sandblasting artist for the team. He personally takes those pieces that are to be sandblasted to [[Stanwell]], and is permitted to use the sandblasting equipment himself. That is the only S. Bang process, though, that is not executed by the individual carver of each pipe. Everything else, including the famous S. Bang silverwork, is done in the shop by each of the carvers on his own pipes. | ||
According to the system introduced by Svend Bang in 1970 most European-bound pipes are stamped with letters to designate the grade in the following ascending order: | |||
Black blast, Tan blast, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C and, very rarely, you might find a D. | Black blast, Tan blast, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C and, very rarely, you might find a D. | ||
Bang pipes for the U.S. market are stamped with year and number codes and the personal stamp of the carver. The number is not a grading stamp - it just indicates which pipe it is. For example, 9736 with the stamp PH would indicate that it was the 36th pipe made by Per Hansen in the year 1997. There are no grade stamps on U.S. pipes - all S. Bangs are high grade. | |||
The S. Bang workshop is almost invisible in the bustling city of Copenhagen. A more elaborate storefront is not required, because S. Bang pipes are not sold in Denmark. | The S. Bang workshop is almost invisible in the bustling city of Copenhagen. A more elaborate storefront is not required, because S. Bang pipes are not sold in Denmark. | ||
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Per Hansen & Ulf Noltensmeier | Per Hansen & Ulf Noltensmeier | ||
Struenseegade 9, st. | Struenseegade 9, st. | ||
2200 København N | |||
Denmark | Denmark | ||
Fax: +45 3534 3118 | Fax: +45 3534 3118 | ||
'''Pipes Available from:''' | '''Pipes Available from:''' | ||
[http://www.uptowns.com/ Uptown's Smoke Shops] | [http://www.uptowns.com/ Uptown's Smoke Shops] | ||
3900 Hillsboro Road | 3900 Hillsboro Road | ||
Nashville, TN 37275, | Nashville, TN 37275, | ||
Phone: 615.292.9576. | |||
The above is | |||
The above is based on an article used with kind permission from [http://www.danishpipemakers.com/ Danish Pipemakers]. Images also courtesy of Lars Kiel. | |||
[[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]] | [[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]] | ||
[[Category: Denmark]] | [[Category: Denmark]] | ||