WDC Sterling Hand Made Smooth Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

The William Demuth Company, otherwise known as WDC, was established in 1862 by German-born American William Demuth, and survived as a mainstay brand in the United States until the 1970s. It would not be inappropriate to call such pipes ‘presidential,’ given that, owing initially to Demuth’s friendship with US president James Garfield, WDC pipes became an inauguration gift and fixture in the oval office for every president from Garfield to Hoover.

WDC’s Sterling line was distinguished by its sterling silver mounts, with four possible grades available at four corresponding price points. These grades were, in ascending order, the Brighton, the Windsor, the Stratford, and the Hand Made. This plump bent billiard is, of course, an example of the latter. Based on the pipe’s design, including its orific bit, and on extant catalogs that have the Sterling Hand Made priced at around just $1 each, this WDC looks to be very old indeed, likely made in the early 20th century.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and slight inner rim charring, and some handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.1″ / 129.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.45″ / 36.83mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g