Big Ben Bi-Tone 108S-H Smooth Ebony Straight Billiard, Dutch Briar, Vulcanite Saddle Stem

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. This is a distinguished Big Ben Bi-Tone model 108S-H, a straight billiard crafted by the renowned Gubbels factory of Holland. Dating to the mid-20th century, this pipe exemplifies post-war Dutch design innovation with its signature bi-tone metal accent band and smooth ebony finish. A substantial, full-sized smoking instrument that represents the brand's creative zenith. The Big Ben line emerged from the Gubbels factory in the Netherlands and rose to prominence as a symbol of accessible luxury in mid-century European pipe making. Big Ben pipes were celebrated for merging traditional briar carving with refined industrial technique. The Bi-Tone series was a hallmark achievement, introducing the distinctive dual-metal accent band that visually separated these pipes from more conservative English and French contemporaries. This represents the brand's legacy of Dutch design ingenuity. Marks & Stamps: Big Ben logo on shank. Bi-Tone designation. 108S-H model number. Smooth finish grade. Country of origin marking present. All original factory stamps intact and legible. This is a classic straight billiard, the archetypal pipe shape defined by its cylindrical bowl and straight cylindrical shank. The bowl face is perfectly vertical with firm, assertive stance. The H designation in the model number denotes full chamber sizing, confirming this as a substantial smoking instrument. High-grade Mediterranean briar finished in smooth ebony stain. The deep, piano-like finish accentuates tight, swirl-free grain patterns characteristic of Gubbels' premium stock. The bowl displays the lustrous, dark aesthetic that defines the ebony finish line. Condition: Overall grade - Very Good to Excellent. Rim shows normal light wear consistent with age and gentle use. Chamber is clean and unobstructed. Vulcanite saddle stem shows light oxidation typical of vintage pieces, no cracks or fractures. No fills or major repairs. This is an honest, well-preserved example ready for immediate smoking use. Dimensions: Length - 5.75 inches overall. Bowl height - 1.625 inches. Chamber diameter - 0.875 inches. Chamber depth - to be confirmed. Weight - to be confirmed. This Big Ben Bi-Tone ships directly from the Faridunhill estate archive with worldwide shipping available. All pipes receive professional sanitation and detailed condition verification prior to dispatch. SKU: SKU-107