I think I'll call them "Article" pipes. They're not big enough to sit down and enjoy heavy reading or a big novel, but for a 30 - 40 minute smoke, they're the perfect pipe for reading an article or two... Just my mind going weird. I'm snapping out of it so you can quit worrying about me... 🤪
@KA9FFJ That’s a sweet little Dublin. I’m always drawn to a concave chamfered rim. That’s a little beauty, nice job!👍🏼 What’s the shank stamping on that little guy?
A “Nob Hill” stamping on a briar pipe typically refers to a mid-century American-made pipe line, though the precise origins and manufacturer can be somewhat obscure, as “Nob Hill” was likely a sub-brand or house brand rather than a major standalone marque.
What is known:
1. American Origin:
“Nob Hill” pipes were likely produced in the United States, possibly by or for conglomerates like KB&B (Kaywoodie/Medico) or other New York-based distributors, during the mid-20th century.
The name “Nob Hill” evokes the upscale San Francisco neighborhood, likely chosen to imply a sense of class or distinction.
2. Quality Tier:
Nob Hill pipes are generally considered mid-grade factory pipes—affordable and serviceable, not luxury pieces but still made from solid briar.
They were probably sold through tobacconists, department stores, or catalogs as a private-label offering.
3. Styling and Finish:
Examples seen online and in collections show typical classic American shapes—billiards, bulldogs, etc.—often with smooth finishes, sometimes stained dark, and occasionally with rustic touches.
The stamping usually reads “NOB HILL” in block letters, sometimes accompanied by “Imported Briar” or similar phrases.
4. Collector Interest:
While not highly collectible in the high-end sense, Nob Hill pipes can be of interest to vintage American pipe enthusiasts.
Their appeal lies in their nostalgic, working-man quality and link to the golden era of pipe smoking in America.
If you have a pipe stamped “Nob Hill,” it likely dates from the 1940s to 1970s, and while it may not fetch high prices, it could very well offer a solid smoke and durable construction, especially if in good condition.
Finished another "long stem" pipe. By the way, I stand corrected. These stems are 5 1/2", not 7". I do have a few 7" churchwarden stems, but on these little pipes I'm using the shorter churchwarden stems. Here's the latest finished one:
And now for something different. Had this stummel that needed a small portion on the shank removed (cracked). Made an extra long shank extension for it, then starting stripping the stummel, reshaping around the rim area and selected a stem with a very similar OD as the shank.
Lightly sanded the rusticated area, then stained the entire stummel 20 drops tan, 4 drops oxblood... Bonus: you get the pics that includes the latest long-stemmed pipe (same stain used for both)...
Alcohol bath, waxed and buffed. The overly long extension gives it a different look from most pipes. Not sure if I like it, but it's definitely unique. I think it falls into that, "love it or hate it" category. Here's the final:
First things first. TIP: If you have a used stummel and want to turn a stem for a tight fit in the mortise, you must thoroughly clean the shank FIRST. If you wait and clean it after you've already turned the tenon, it will result in a loose fit. So here's a clean shank AND the bowl. I'll address the rim later...
Comments
Just my mind going weird. I'm snapping out of it so you can quit worrying about me...
🤪
That’s a sweet little Dublin. I’m always drawn to a concave chamfered rim. That’s a little beauty, nice job!👍🏼
What’s the shank stamping on that little guy?
Haven'tdone any investigative work yet. Any ideas?
Another good idea, excellently manifested!
The stamping says:
Frank (in script)
And below it in all caps:
ANTIQUE
Nob Hill…I have seen that stamp in my interwebs meanderings. Just where🤔
What is known:
1. American Origin:
2. Quality Tier:
3. Styling and Finish:
4. Collector Interest:
If you have a pipe stamped “Nob Hill,” it likely dates from the 1940s to 1970s, and while it may not fetch high prices, it could very well offer a solid smoke and durable construction, especially if in good condition.
By the way, I stand corrected. These stems are 5 1/2", not 7".
I do have a few 7" churchwarden stems, but on these little pipes I'm using the shorter churchwarden stems.
Here's the latest finished one:
Here's the final:
Had this stummel that needed a small portion on the shank removed (cracked).
Made an extra long shank extension for it, then starting stripping the stummel, reshaping around the rim area and selected a stem with a very similar OD as the shank.
Bonus: you get the pics that includes the latest long-stemmed pipe (same stain used for both)...
The overly long extension gives it a different look from most pipes. Not sure if I like it, but it's definitely unique. I think it falls into that, "love it or hate it" category. Here's the final:
Another rediculously wonderful series of posts. Thank you.
Selected an unfinished stem and started to work:
TIP: If you have a used stummel and want to turn a stem for a tight fit in the mortise, you must thoroughly clean the shank FIRST.
If you wait and clean it after you've already turned the tenon, it will result in a loose fit.
So here's a clean shank AND the bowl. I'll address the rim later...
Then restained with 25 drops tan, 5 drops oxblood:
Then finished the stummel.
Here's the final:
(continued kudos for your work)