Barling » Barling: 279

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Barling c. 1960 Transitional Pot EXEXEL

This pipe was clearly made before the new owners took over in 1960, originally stamped as a Shape 279. Under the new ownership, the number six was obligingly added to the front of the original three digit number in a slightly different font. In fact, I am convinced that Barling originally contemplated this pipe as a "Special" grade or perhaps even as a rare "Birdseye", because both sides of the bowl are covered with large fields of said birdseye grain. And while the pipe is a true EXEXEL in size, it weighs just 41 grams, bespeaking the superb quality of the Algerian plateaux briar from which it was cut. Further reinforcing this hypothesis is the quality of the handcut vulcanite saddle bit, among the best I have ever seen on any Barling.