Mincer Era Custom-Bilt Rusticated Opera Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Custom-Bilt 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 is something I haven’t seen before: a Custom-Bilt opera pipe. Or, rather, what an opera would look like if given the Custom-Bilt treatment. Instead of the slender composition typical of the shape, the pipe is every bit as muscular as any other pipe from Mincer’s make, with two imposing side panels traded in for the classical opera’s curvature. As this is a “Custom-Bilt” pipe, and not a “Custombilt,” this pipe will have been made between 1934 and 1946.

The condition is very good. Some slight inner rim darkening and minor handling marks. The stamping is also a little faint.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 1.52″ / 38.60mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 90g