Brigham 2011 Pipe of the Year Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Other Estates

Description

Brigham is Canada’s oldest extant pipe company, having been founded in 1906 by Roy Brigham. It is also (to my knowledge, at least) the only Canadian pipe brand to have had a whole book written about its history. Throughout that history, pipe makers who got their start in the industry have included Philip Trypis and Julius Vesz. Today, the pipes are best known for their distinct system for mitigating tongue bite, the Rock Maple Distillator. Essentially a long filter made from aluminum and rock maple wood, these filters were (and continue to be) marketed as a means of reducing tongue bite by absorbing moisture produced through use, while not restricting the draw of the pipe.

As with many established pipe companies, Brigham has released a limited edition, Pipe of the Year for quite a while now. These pipes are typically very small in number, with the 2011 Pipe of the Year, for example, being limited to just 100 pipes. As can be seen here, the design of the 2011 release was a beautifully grained, and rather Danish looking, freehand, though with the addition of a special tenon to accommodate a Brigham Rock Maple Filter. Oddly enough, the Brigham company has a rather long history of producing freehand pipes like this one, and they were a favorite of the company’s president for much of the 20th century, Herbert Brigham. Herbert Brigham passed away in 2010, so the design of the 2011 Pipe of the Year was intended to celebrate his work at the company and to honor his memory.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening. As mentioned, this pipe can accommodate a Brigham Rock Maple filter if desired (not included, though they can be purchased separately at various retailers), though it will perform perfectly well without one.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.85″ / 46.99mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 58g