Custombilt 18 Rusticated Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Custom-Bilt (later, as in this case, Custombilt) pipes were originally created in the early 20th century by Tracy Mincer, an American pipe-maker. Later adopting the slogan, ‘As Individual as a Thumbprint,’ Custom-Bilts were each rusticated by hand, giving them their signature rugged look, and ensuring that no two Custom-Bilts were exactly alike. Today, these pipes are prized by collectors, pipe history enthusiasts, and those who generally appreciate a well-made smoking machine.

You don’t see many Custombilt bulldogs. I could possibly imagine why, as the deep, signature rustication style could cause the underlying shape to become lost, though in this instance I’d say it’s worked really well. This is certainly still a bulldog, and the gnarliest one I think I’ve ever seen. Based on my experience with Custombilts, it’s likely to be as hardy as its rugged demeanor suggests, too.

The condition is very good. Minor handling marks and rim wear, but it hardly detracts from Custombilt’s deliberately rustic look.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 1.40″ / 35.56mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g