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

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