Custombilt (c. 1946-53) Rusticated Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Custom-Bilt (later, as in this case, Custombilt) 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.

It’s always interesting to see Custombilt renditions of more traditional pipe shapes. While the make is well known for its stout billiard, pot, and bullmoose designs, Oom Pauls like this one create an enjoyable contrast between the elegance of its classical form and the rough-and-ready finishing applied to its stummel. If my dating is correct, this one will have been made between 1946 and 1953, at a time when Tracy Mincer, the creator of the Custom-Bilt, had gone into a partnership with Eugene Rich and his company, essentially producing and distributing the make (now “Custombilt”) together.

The condition is fair. Some scratches on the bowl, minor rim darkening, and chamber slightly over-reamed.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.93″ / 23.62mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g