Custombilt Rusticated Prince Estate Briar Pipe

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.

This Custombilt is a slightly smaller, lighter offering from the great American make. It’s also perhaps the first Custombilt prince shape I’ve seen. It’s almost strange to think of a Custombilt in princely proportions, but here one is, and funnily enough, I like it – it’s a nice synthesis of the rugged and the svelte. From the nomenclature, this Custombilt would appear to be from the Eugene Rich era, between 1946 and 1953. It’s always great to see pipes of such a historic provenance survive this well into the present.

The condition is very good. It’s a Custombilt, so rough and rugged is the intended aesthetic. There’s some rim darkening, but I wouldn’t call it major.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″

Bowl Width: 20.8mm

Bowl Depth: 1.2″

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g