Talbert Pipes Ligne Bretagne Sandblasted Straight Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates [SOLD]

Description

Trever Talbert is an American-born artisan who has, at various times in his pipe-making career, resided in the United States and in France. A formerly-professional illustrator, fine artist, and designer, Talbert began pipe-making as a hobby, receiving early instruction (and briar) from Paul Perri, but did not settle on a career in pipe-making until 1997 when—much to his surprise—he won Pipes & Tobaccos Magazine’s inaugural national pipe carving contest. Talbert Pipes was born shortly after, though perhaps it was not truly born until Trever’s wife Emily joined him as the second half of the Talbert Pipes pipe-making team. In the years that followed, the Talberts have received further guidance from figures such as Mark Tinsky and Mike Butera, while becoming cult-favorite artisans in their own right.

What’s in a name? Well, for “Ligne Bretagne,” quite a lot. Roughly translating to “Bretagne Line,” the name originally referred to the French region the Talberts were living in at the time, but though they have since returned to the US, the idea behind them remains the same: pre-turned, well-seasoned stummels from ages past, brought back to life by the Talberts. It is much the same idea that is found today in the “Heritage” and “Bing” series made by Bruno Nuttens, or the “Tradition” pipes of Francois Dal. It is also an undeniably popular one, with the Talberts’ Ligne Bretagne pipes disappearing from shelves almost as soon as they are listed. As with all of the LN pipes, this one is eminently traditional, being a squat bulldog in the early 20th century French style. Adding to its traditional theme is a stem that I am 99% certain is carved from horn.

The condition is very good. There is some rim darkening and a couple of slight abrasions in the (again, I’m assuming) horn stem, but nothing that isn’t purely cosmetic.

On an administrative note, I am categorizing the origin of this pipe as “United States” as I do not know whether it is one of the Ligne Bretagnes that was made during the Talberts’ time in France or after their return to their native land.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.72 / 18.28mm

Bowl Depth: 0.88″ / 22.35mm

Weight: 1.0oz / 30g