Orlik Special Straight Grain 170 XL Liverpool Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

Orlik was an English pipe manufacturer founded in 1899 by Louis Orlik. While originally the company’s mission was to produce low-cost pipes, the make would ultimately be known for the distinctly high quality of their products. Consequently, Orlik pipes are today a favorite among pipe smokers and collectors, especially those who prefer the hobby’s Great British classics.

The shape 170 was Orlik’s rendition, per their own description, of an “Extra Large Liverpool.” Though it may not be quite the same proportions of today’s larger briars (remember, pipes in the distant past were, on average, much smaller than today), it is nonetheless impressive that this sizeable-yet-featherweight Orlik managed to attain a Straight Grain grade in the Special Bracket. The larger the pipe, after all, the larger the block of briar needed, and the larger the block, the greater the chance of discovering sandspots and other grain irregularities. Perhaps even more impressive is that this Orlik came from a factory, presumably using factory methods common at the time, rather than being hand shaped. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was a higher end James Upshall, or at the very least a Dunhill Dead Root. On a last note, based on the nomenclature, country of manufacture stamping, and brass “O” inlay in the stem, this should be a pre-Cadogan make.

The condition is very good. Some darkening and light charring of the inner rim, and slight handling marks, but nonetheless remarkably preserved for a pipe that will be many decades old.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.57″ / 39.87mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g