KBB Yello-Bole Carburetor, Rusticated Canadian Briar Pipe, American Estates [SOLD OUT]

Description

Yello-Bole was a brand of pipes made by Kaufmann Bros. & Bondy, otherwise known as KB&B or KBB, who are famous for also having created the Kaywoodie brand. The Yello-Bole was introduced in 1932 and was produced under the direction of Kaufmann & co until KB&B was purchased by S. M. Frank in 1955, under whose direction production continued until 1972. The name ‘Yello-Bole’ comes from the pipe’s distinct selling point, that being that each pipe had a bowl coating that included honey. This was thought to aid in the breaking in of a new Yello-Bole, as well as to provide a sweeter smoke.

I must admit, I’ve got a soft spot for this pipe. It’s not a super expensive pipe by any means, but the rustication is carefully and consistently applied in a way that reminds me a little of Peterson’s Donegal Rocky line, which I’ve always liked. The Carburetor line of Yello-Boles was quite interesting in that it featured a small hole in the bottom of the bowl (or, on other models, several holes) that would allow a small amount of extra air to enter the pipe as it was smoked. This was intended to have a cooling effect on the smoke.

From my research, it appears this pipe was made during the 1940s, as the ‘propeller’ logo on Yello-Bole stems (as on this one) was not used after that decade. It is post-1939, as there is no yellow circle stamped on the stem, which stopped in 1940. It’s in a marvelous condition for being so old: the stem is free of indents, the finish is not scratched or worn, and I’m particularly impressed with just how pristine the rim is. If you like Yello-Boles – one of America’s historic pipe brands – this might just be the one for you.

Details:

Length: 6″

Bowl Width: 20.1mm

Bowl Depth: 1.7″

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g