Varieties of form

Articles

	Quick navigation

			Varieties of form Even an experienced smoker can get confused by the diversity in the traditional range of specialized shops and boutiques. There are several types of pipe classification enabling a smoker to chose the best pipe to meet his needs. Of course, instead of testing every pipe it is much easier to choose one style of pipe and only then look for a specific model. Classification by form is most convenient, because the volume of the bowl affects the duration, while the mildness and dryness of the tobacco smoke depends on the form of the pipe. A pipe consists of three main parts – a stem, a mouthpiece and a bowl. Stems can be long or short, straight or curved, round, oval or faceted. Mouthpieces vary in terms of the bend and form, which may be oval, round or faceted. Moreover, they can be classified by how it narrows from the shank to the end. In these terms they can be either conic or in the form of a “saddle”. Pipes are mainly classified by the form of their bowl, because it is namely the bowl that draws most attention when differentiating between pipes. Quite often it is the shape of the bowl that determines the design of all the other components of the pipe. ROUND BOWL PIPES – one of the most common types. Their design and shape are subject to no rigid limitations and each craftsman can bring something of his own to the traditional round bowl. These pipes are found in combination with various stems and mouthpieces. APPLE The Apple is a classic pipe with a rounded bowl. And the bowl of this type of pipe does indeed look like an apple – it is smoothly rounded in front and on both sides. Most frequently these pipes are offered in combination with a straight mouthpiece, although other varieties are found. The stem, of this pipe is straight and round, and its length is approximately equal to the height of the bowl. The pipe has a simple and straightforward shape, and is very easy to hold in the hand. BENT APPLE The ‘apple’ form of the bowl combines beautifully with a curved mouthpiece and stem. Pipes of this kind are named correspondingly: curved or ‘bent’ apple. They feel even more comfortable in the hand than their straight ‘brothers’, thanks to the curve of the mouthpiece from one eighth to one half of the total length. PRINCE This pipe shape was named in honour of Albert, Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII. The rounded and rather flattened bowl combines well with the round, short, thin stem, the whole picture being completed by a long mouthpiece with an exceptionally smooth curve. It is one of the lightest and slenderest pipes. AUTHOR Pipes of this shape are distinguished by the bowl which is flattened from the bottom and a thick, strong stem with mouthpiece to match, curved to one eighth or one quarter. This type of pipe is frequently mistaken for a fatter version of the Prince. BALL / TOMATO This pipe got its name from the specific form of the bowl. The bowl is shaped like a billiard ball or occasionally resembles a tomato. The stem and mouthpiece are slender with a curve of from one quarter to one half. DIPLOMAT Outwardly the Diplomat’s bowl resembles that of the Prince. It is just as rounded at the sides and slightly flattened at the bottom. Basically, these two types resemble each other in many ways. The main difference is the slightly larger size of the Diplomat and its characteristic oval mouthpiece, which on this type of pipe usually has a one eighth curve. EGG The pipe takes its name from the bowl, which resembles an egg. This type of pipe is most frequently found in combination with a curved mouthpiece, although there are straight versions. It is ideally suited to those who like a long smoke, since the large bowl can hold quite a lot of tobacco. HAWKBILL / DONKEYNUT Pipes of this type have a ball-shaped bowl with a long, curved, conical stem. The stem starts at the bottom of the bowl and rises in a curve to its upper level. The fairly short mouthpiece continues the curve of the stem, but in a downward direction. The stem-mouthpiece connection in these pipes is always conical in shape, with the cone starting at the base of the bowl and ending at the tip of the pipe. PIPES WITH CYLINDRICAL BOWLS – These pipes, like their round-bowl ‘brothers’, come in numerous forms and variations with stems and mouthpieces of various shapes. Traditionally cylindrical-bowl pipes are considered the attributes of more restrained and serious people. BILLIARD This is unquestionably one of the most popular pipes today. The bowl is cylindrical in form, as is the place for the tobacco, and its length is practically the same as the straight and rounded stem. The mouthpiece is straight and narrows towards the end in the shape of a cone. The unusual popularity of the Billiard has resulted in the appearance of the numerous varieties that are produced today as separate types of pipe. BENT BILLIARD Similar in proportions to the Billiard, this type of pipe has a mouthpiece that is curved from one half to three quarters. PANELLED BILLIARD / FOURSQUARE Essentially, this is practically the same as the Billiard. The main difference is in the faceted bowl with its flat sides. Classic pipes of this shape have four flat sides, but there are some that have a larger number. The main requirement of a pipe of this type is that the bowl should be symmetrical and the corners sharp and smooth. The main problem here for the cutter is achieving the transfer from the faceted top of the bowl to its rounded bottom. BILLIARD VARIATIONS Apart from the classic Billiard, there are three additional variations: the nosewarmer from the fact that the bowl is as close as possible to the smoker’s face due to the pipe’s short stem and mouthpiece; then there is the Stack or the Chimney, which is easy to spot due to its large, high bowl, and which was created especially for those who like a long smoke; finally there is the Pot, which was designed for those who like to smoke while they’re walking outside, and which appears to be rather small due to the reduced height of the bowl. CANADIAN These pipes can be recognized by their long, oval mouthpieces that are almost twice as long as the bowl is high. The unusual length of the mouthpiece ensures a smooth and fairly cool smoke. CANADIAN FAMILY Certain types of pipe are mistakenly thought of as being Canadian, when in fact they are simply members of the same family, but have a lot of important differences. The Canadian proper has an oval stem in combination with a conical mouthpiece. The Lumberman – has an oval stem with a ‘saddle’ type mouthpiece. The Liverpool – has a round stem with a conical mouthpiece. The Lovat – has a round stem with a ‘saddle’ type mouthpiece. POKER / CHERRYWOOD The Poker is a straight pipe with a cylindrical bowl, but with an absolutely flat bottom. Such pipes can be confidently placed on a table without any kind of support, and for this reason they were preferred by inveterate poker players, since they could put down their pipe and follow the game. The Cherrywood is a variety of the Poker, but with a curved mouthpiece. Another variety is called the Gavel, and to make it look like one, the stem joins the bowl not at its base, but in the middle. HUNGARIAN/ OOM PAUL This pipe takes its name from the South African General Oom (Uncle) Paul, who fought in the Boer War, and later became President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal. Essentially, the Oom Paul is a variety of the Billiard that has been curved to the maximum. It has a large and spacious bowl. But despite its impressive weight, it is still a very convenient pipe. Its shape has been beautifully designed with the result that it is easily held between the teeth. It is a pipe for those who like to have their hands free. PIPES WITH CONICAL BOWLS – These pipes not only have a pleasant shape, but offer a very specific smoke. Where the tobacco cavity copies the conical shape, it produces an effect similar to the one we experience when we smoke a Figurados or a Torpedo cigar – the taste and the aroma of the tobacco change during the process of smoking. DUBLIN In its proportions, this pipe resembles the Billiard, but there are a number of significant differences, the main one being the conical shape of the bowl. The space for the tobacco is similarly conical, copying the outer form. The difference in the size of the bowl at its top and at its bottom produces a rather unexpected effect when smoked: the taste of the tobacco appears to gather in the lower part of the bowl and becomes more and more evident as the smoking continues. Dublin pipes can be both curved and straight with round or oval stems. The mouthpieces are conical or in the form of a saddle. ZULU / WOODSTOCK Zulu pipes combine the conical ‘Dublin’ bowl with a one eighth curved mouthpiece, while the bowl is inclined a few degrees forward of the stem. All of which make the pipe comfortable to hold in the teeth. Sometimes it is called a Yacht or and Yachtsman. PEAR / ACORN Outwardly, these pipes bear a fairly close resemblance to the Dublin type, but they differ in point of their much increased roundedness – all the corners have been rounded. Most frequently they are found in combination with curved mouthpieces. Straight mouthpieces are found on small Pear pipes. GOURD CALABASH Probably everyone has heard of Calabash pipes. Calabash is another word for a pumpkin, but many have forgotten the original meaning of the word with the result that ‘calabash’ is now used almost exclusively in relation to pipes. This is why the word ‘gourd’ is so important, because there are plenty of pipes that resemble the original Calabash in form, but are actually made out of wood. The Gourd Calabash – the real Calabash – is made from the dried and cleaned skin of a pumpkin. When the pipe is being made, the mouthpiece is added and so is a special cavity made of meerschaum for the tobacco. The mouthpiece and the tobacco cavity can be removed for ease of cleaning. Calabash pipes strike one immediately by their length – from 20 to 25cms. But the size of their bowls may be quite ordinary. The shape of these pipes ensure the smoker maximum satisfaction. The empty pumpkin cools the smoke and collects the moisture – so that smoking becomes as smooth and as dry as possible. CALABASH Calabash without the word ‘Gourd’ is a pipe resembling the original Calabash in shape, but made from a block of wood. The top of the spacious conical bowl is in the form of a dome. The space for the tobacco, like the bowl itself, is conical. Most Calabash pipes are made in combination with three quarter curved mouthpieces, but some master craftsmen produce fairly bizarre creations with straight stems and mouthpieces. BULLDOG PIPES – have a unique style that is recognized throughout the world. Bulldog refers not so much to the shape of the bowl as to the overall shape of the pipe. These pipes are fairly prestigious and expensive, since making them requires special mastery and precision, particularly in cutting the transition from the bowl to the stem. BULLDOG The main distinctive features of this type of pipe are the stem (cut in the shape of a diamond), the conical mouthpiece, and the bowl which is inclined several degrees forward. The bowl resembles two cones joined at their bases with the upper cone being truncated. The place at which these two imaginary cones are joined is marked by two cut parallel lines. The complexity in carving a Bulldog pipe consists in creating a smooth transition from the rounded lines of the bowl to the straight cut facets of the stem. There are Bulldog variants with curved mouthpieces. RHODESIAN There are numerous areas of dispute in relation to the Rhodesian pipe. The point is it is very similar in appearance to the Bulldog. The first claim was that all Bulldog pipes even those with curved mouthpieces should be classed as Rhodesians, but that has now given way to another, more likely suggestion. Today the majority of specialists agree that the term Rhodesian should be applied to pipes that possess all the characteristics of the Bulldog except one – the diamond mouthpiece; on the Rhodesian this has been replaced by an ordinary smooth and rounded mouthpiece. Rhodesian pipes may have straight or curved mouthpieces. BULLMOOSE / BULLCAP The Bullmoose – a flattened variety of the Rhodesian with a thick, heavy mouthpiece curved to one quarter. The Bullcap – also a variety of the Rhodesian: a flattened pipe with a straight mouthpiece and a wide diameter bowl. BRANDY GLASS BOWL PIPES – in point of elegance their bowls can definitely be compared with the finest examples of that noble breed of glasses used for brandy and cognac. And this shape has a long history – the first pipes with Brandy Glass bowls appeared in the early 16th century. BENT BRANDY This pipe took its name from the specific shape of its bowl, which resembles a brandy glass: the rounded bottom gradually narrows towards the top. The mouthpiece is smoothly curved one quarter and adds to the elegance of the bowl. This style is very popular with the Danish master craftsmen. CUTTY This style is a remake of the old pipes that were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. The bowl resembles a tulip in shape, but the conical form of the mouthpiece has only a small and very smooth curve. A distinguishing feature of this pipe style is the small spur that is cut out from the base of the pipe. Once a traditional element, it is retained now only as an option. Previously, the spur was necessary to strengthen the most vulnerable part of the pipe. CHURCHWARDEN It is easy to determine the type of any pipe by the shape of its bowl; the Churchwarden is the only pipe where the important factor is not the shape of the bowl, but the length of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be either straight or curved, but it is always very long – from 23 to 46cms. The length of the mouthpiece could be even longer, if it were not for the practical necessity of being able to hold the bowl in the hand and fit the end of the mouthpiece in the mouth. The bowl on a pipe of this kind is much smaller than on other pipes. Churchwarden pipes are usually made from briar or meerschaum. Historically, this was the favourite pipe of the aristocratic circles in Europe. CAVALIER This modern type of pipe was a development of the old German school of Tyrolean pipe-makers. The Cavalier has a very unusual ventilation system – the stem does not end as it joins the pipe, but continues on below, forming a small extension on the far side, away from the mouthpiece. There it is shut off by a removable cap. The effect of this system is that smoke from the bowl goes into the stem not at an angle to the burning, but almost vertically downwards. At first the smoke settles in the extension and only after that does it rise via the mouthpiece to the mouth of the smoker. The removable cap on the lower part of the mouthpiece makes it possible to clean the tar and moisture that have collected in the stem. VOLCANO The conical bowl of these pipes is rounded at the bottom where there is a transition to the smooth, curved stem. Traditionally, this type of pipe uses the ‘saddle’ mouthpiece. Of extreme importance in cutting a pipe of this type is the disposition of the fibres in the briar: the straight fibres must fall vertically downwards along the bowl and end below at the base, at what is called the ‘bird’s eye’ – small points of cross-cut fibres SPECIAL SHAPE PIPES – These appeared originally as the unique work of individual master pipe-makers. Some of them became popular, which resulted in the mass production of the popular shapes. Despite the fact that they are classified and are produced by the most famous companies, they are not nearly as common as pipes with oval or cylindrical bowls, being exclusively intended for those whose tastes they suit. DUKE / DON Both of these types are characterized by a cylindrical bowl with a flat bottom, and the complete absence of the usual stem. The mouthpiece, made of bone or ebony is joined directly to the bowl. Don pipes do have a small, but very short ‘pseudo-stem’, but Duke pipes have none at all. These pipes are very light and unbelievably easy to smoke. VEST POCKET This relatively new type of pipe might at first glance seem a bit of a joke. It was designed specially to be placed in a waistcoat pocket. Pipes of this type are produced by many manufacturers, but they are rarely of any real quality, because their purpose was not to provide an excellent smoke, but to be compact and convenient for keeping in a small pocket. The mouthpiece in the folded position shuts off the bowl opening from above, but with a quick movement it can click into place for smoking. The bowl is oval and made specially for carrying in a waistcoat pocket. OVAL / POCKET As distinct from the one above, this pipe was made to be simply compact. For this reason, these pipes tend to be of a very high quality. Outwardly, they resemble the classic the Billiard and differ only in the fact that they are much smaller. Additionally, they have the characteristic feature that the sides of their bowls are flattened. This makes the bowl look like an oval from above – hence the name. SKATER The Skater is basically a variety of the Dublin, where the bowl and the stem take on the shape of an ice skate, and the rounded edges of the upper part invariably end in the sharp angle of the base. This specific type of pipe usually has a ‘saddle’ type mouthpiece. FREEHAND Trying to classify the pipes created by individual designers is rather a thankless task. But though there are no clear standardized differences between these pipes, as there are with the others, they can be fairly easily distinguished from all other types of pipes – if only for the reason that there is nothing standardized about them. The appearance of this type of pipe depends entirely upon the craftsman who made it and the possibilities offered by and the qualities inherent in the material used. When creating a Freehand pipe, the master craftsman does not try to give it a required shape – the shape of the stem and the bowl will be determined by the characteristics of the wood. For this reason Freehand pipes often have the most incredible shapes – which though at times may be extremely inconvenient to use, are invariably beautiful to look at. HORN / OLIPHANT This type of pipe, as the name suggests, looks like a horn. Some are made almost straight with the stem and the bowl forming a single cone. Others bear more resemblance to the standard curved pipes, though despite the significant curve, the conical shape of the wooden part remains invariable. Oliphant pipes should be classified as a variety of Horn pipes that have been stylized to resemble an elephant’s trunk. The curve of this type of pipe is equally smooth throughout its length. Basically, the pipe resembles a curved cone, which narrows evenly and smoothly throughout its length from the opening where the pipe is filled right to the end of the mouthpiece. Some Horn pipes may have deep curves or a ‘saddle’ mouthpiece, but not the Oliphant. BLOWFISH The shape can vary depending on the personal preferences of the craftsman and the characteristics of the wood. But there are certain features that can always be found in this type of pipe. The bowl of the Blowfish is an asymmetrical faceted ball of impressive size. It is very important that the fibres of the briar run horizontally along the bowl – at right-angles to the opening of the tobacco cavity – and end in a ‘bird’s eye’ along the sides of the bowl. The way in which the fibres are treated artistically (made parallel and with the ‘bird’s eye’) is done to show the quality of the briar. The stem starts at the very base of the bowl – it should be smooth and practically unnoticeable. Due to the complexity of the faceting and the high demands made on the quality of the wood, these pipes are traditionally very expensive. PICKAXE Another specific variation of the pipe. Its distinguishing feature is its clearly faceted angular bowl, which in shape resembles an axe. UKULELE / ESKIMO Some manufacturers of this type of pipe call it a Bulldog, while others prefer the name Eskimo. The traditional name is the Ukulele, but that has gradually been forgotten with the passing of time. Generally, these pipes are small and flattened, and have a dome-shaped bowl. It is also worth noting that Ukulele/ Eskimo pipes are made entirely of briar. Thus, the bowl, the stem and the mouthpiece are united in a single whole. Material prepared by ELDAR TUZMUKHAMEDOV The editors wish to thank the members of Usenet-conference alt.smokers.pipes (www.aspipes.org) for their assistance in preparing this material