Kaywoodie (c.1940s-50s) Oversize Hand Made “Samson” Smooth Pot Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Kaywoodie pipes are as American as apple pie. Starting in 1919 as a pipe brand for KB&B, a pipe shop dating all the way back to 1851, Kaywoodie has since then been a staple of American-made pipes. In the present, many Kaywoodies are collectors’ items, in addition to being fantastic smokers.

Though stamped simply as “Handmade”, this particular Kaywoodie belongs to the “Oversize” family of Kaywoodie’s output (this discrepancy in nomenclature was standard for the Oversize). Originally debuting in the 1930s, such pipes were, as the name implies, larger than the average Kaywoodie, though that is relative to mid-century standards, back when pipes were, on average, much smaller. Oversize Kaywoodies were a little different to most others from the make, as the were not given shape numbers, but rather shape names. These names were thematically consistent with the series; one was the “Colossus,” another the “Hercules,” and so on. This one looks to be the “Samson,” a slightly stubby and very muscular, broad-bowled pot rendition, dressed in the “Walnut” finish available to the Oversize series. Based on the nomenclature and the style of the pipe’s famous “Drinkless” stinger, I’d estimate this Samson to have been made between the late 1940s and mid-1950s, prior to the sale of the Kaywoodie brand to S.M. Frank & Co.

The condition is fair. Some charring and scratches on the rim, and some slight, residual oxidation on the mouthpiece.

Details: 

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.90 / 22.86mm

Bowl Depth: 1.15″ / 29.21mm

Weight: 2.5oz / 72g