Portland Straight Grain Smooth Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

There appears to be some mystery surrounding Portland pipes. Some have speculated a connection to Barling—both in the famous make’s pre-transition period, and beyond—a speculation fueled further by Portland’s apparent closure in 1962, the same year B. Barling & Sons was fully absorbed by Imperial and entered its post-transition era(s). However, as it also seems that the post-transition Portland-Barling association concerned Portland’s sub-brands, one would assume that main-brand Portlands were connected—if that was indeed the case—with Barling during the latter’s pre-transition activities. In any case, this Portland (main brand, not sub) is a very beautiful, classic pipe whoever made it. It’s very traditional, taking the form of a rather compact, featherweight bulldog, even having the distinct forward cant of early pipe shapes. Its Straight Grain appellation doesn’t deceive, either, with the pipe featuring consistent vertical patterning that transforms exactly at the bowl’s bead-lines—just as a good bulldog should.

The condition is good. Some wear to the rim, a couple of superficial scratches on the bowl, and slight tooth marks.

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.65″ / 16.51mm

Bowl Depth: 1.22″ / 30.98mm

Weight: 0.8oz / 24g