Vielle Bruyere Courrieu Cogolin Straight Apple Estate Briar Pipe, French Estates

If the French make Corrieu is to be believed, then it holds a very special place within the history of smoking instruments: the creation of the first briar pipe. And, if this is true, Courrieu would hold a similarly impressive title, being the oldest extant manufacturer of briar pipes in the world. Based in the Cogolin municipality of southern France, Courrieu continues to manufacture pipes to this day, using briar cultivated from nearby Saint-Tropez.

Here’s a little French lesson: “vieulle bruyère” roughly translates to “old briar.” Which makes sense, as I have to imagine that Courrieu is sitting on a stockpile of well-seasoned briar wood comparable even to Chapius-Comoy. This particular Courrieu is a very traditional apple shape, one covered in swirling cross grain patterns.

The condition is great. There’s a little darkening on the inner rim, but nothing major.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.33″ / 33.78mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g