Portland Straight Grain Smooth Panel Apple Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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. Whatever the circumstances of its manufacture, this one looks to be a rather high-end Portland, receiving a much-deserved Straight Grain designation. The design is very traditional, too, with a paneled, apple, or prince, shaping and featherweight stature that recalls some of the earliest briars of England and France. This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.   Details: Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm Bowl Width: 0.74 / 18.79mm Bowl Depth: 1.06″ / 26.92mm Weight: 0.7oz / 22g