Hilson Mardi Gras Smooth Straight Meerschaum Lined Billiard Estate Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

Hilson is something of an outlier in the pipe world, in that it is a successful company not from England, Denmark, France, the USA, or indeed any of the countries typically associated with pipe-making. Instead, Hilson is a pipe company that began in Belgium. Hilson was founded by the Hillen family in Bree in the late 19th century and went on to achieve considerable success during the mid-20th, before being bought out by Dutch company Gubbels. Given its geographical location, it should be no surprise that Hilson’s designs bear a mixture of French, German, and Danish influence. Before his passing, legendary artisan Rainer Barbi also designed pipes for the Belgian make. 

Here’s an interesting tidbit: while most meerschaum-lined pipes use pressed meerschaum, as it is far easier to fit into the pipe’s chamber during construction, Hilson is one of the few manufacturers to use genuine block meerschaum in many of their pipes. I’m not sure how they accomplish this feat – it is the proverbial bunny rabbit in the magic hat – but I’m impressed nonetheless. This is one of those pipes; it’s an astonishingly lightweight straight billiard, with Hilson’s mysterious block meerschaum lining, and a fumed, amber finish reminiscent of the staining used on African meerschaum pipes many decades ago.

The condition is very good. The meerschaum lining is a little darkened – but that is, after all, what meerschaum is famous for doing.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″

Bowl Width: 20.0mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g