Wilmer Bel Air Bing Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates [SOLD OUT]

Description

H. Willmer and Sons was an English pipe workshop founded at some point in the mid-20th century. Harold Willmer himself was the brother of Dan Tennyson, one of Charatan’s freehand carvers, and would, according to Ken Barnes, often buy bowls from Charatan’s freehand workshop, which would be subsequently finished by Willmer’s craftsmen. In addition to these pipes, Willmer also manufactured more traditional briars, which were also made by hand.

The ‘Bing,’ or ‘Bing Crosby’ shape has come back into fashion lately, largely thanks to artisan makers such as Bruno Nuttens and [newer] Merchant Service pipes, along with companies such as Savinelli. This Willmer predates such examples by a good few decades, having been produced in England at some point towards the end of the 20th century. It has all the hallmarks of a good Bing; it’s long, at around 7 inches in length; it’s light, being only 32 grams and therefore easy to clench; and it has a nice, beveled rim, which I find that no Bing is really complete without. Over the years I’ve found that this particular Willmer model is quite desired by pipe smokers, however unfortunately very few Bel Airs still exist, making the pipes rare and many smokers disappointed not to be able to own one.

The condition is very good, especially for its age. It has some handling marks and some rim darkening, but I don’t see anything else particularly notable. You will be able to judge for yourself from the photos.

 

Details:

Length: 7″

Bowl Width: 19.5mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″

Weight: 1.1oz / 32g