Orlik Unic 182 Smooth Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

About this pipe:

Orlik was an English pipe manufacturer founded in 1899 by Louis Orlik. While originally the company’s mission was to produce low-cost pipes, the make would ultimately be known for the distinctly high quality of their products. Consequently, Orlik pipes are today a favorite among pipe smokers and collectors, especially those who prefer the hobby’s Great British classics.

I’ve only ever seen a handful of the old Orlik Unic series pipes. I would imagine that the name of the series is a play on “unique,” rather than the other word it sounds like. And it is unique, having a distinct, black ring banding the shank before it reaches the stem, making it look as though the briar shank end is the band instead. The “O” Orlik logo looks to be a brass inlay, so I would guess that this is a pre-Cadogan Orlik pipe, which collectors should particularly enjoy.

The condition is very good. The inner rim has a touch of char, and there’s some finish fading and handling marks on that rim, but the pipe nonetheless looks to have held up remarkably well.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.72″ / 43.68mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g