French Estate Butz Choquin JURA 1009 Sandblast Straight Billiard Pipe

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a French-made Butz Choquin JURA model 1009, a straight billiard rendered in sandblast finish. Dating to the mid-to-late 20th century, this pipe represents the St. Claude tradition of accessible, well-engineered briar smoking instruments. The JURA line was Butz Choquin's mid-range production, positioned between entry-level and premium offerings. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Butz Choquin, founded in 1923 in St. Claude, France, became one of Europe's most prolific pipe manufacturers. The company built its reputation on consistent quality and democratic pricing, making fine briar pipes available to working collectors. St. Claude itself earned recognition as the world capital of pipe-making, with dozens of independent and commercial makers operating simultaneously. The JURA designation indicates a specific commercial line within Butz Choquin's catalog, though exact production dates for this model remain to be confirmed. The 1009 model number appears on countless examples across decades of production. GRADING AND MARKS - Maker stamp: BUTZ CHOQUIN (center band) - Model designation: JURA (center band) - Model number: 1009 (shank) - Country origin: FRANCE (shank) - No filter system - Finish: Sandblast grade (medium depth) - Vulcanite stem (unmarked) SHAPE ANALYSIS This is a true straight billiard: cylindrical bowl with flat bottom, straight grain-forward shank, and vulcanite stem. The bowl geometry shows modest proportions, with chamber diameter of 18.8mm and depth of 40mm - comfortable for casual smoking sessions. Straight orientation and compact dimensions suggest comfort-smoking intent. BRIAR AND FINISH The sandblast finish reveals dense, medium-grain briar beneath. Sandblasting creates micro-texture across the surface, traditional technique that masks grain irregularities while providing authentic tactile appeal. This pipe shows natural color development typical of French estate briar - warm honey to light amber tones. CONDITION REPORT This is an honest used pipe in fair-to-good smoking condition. The exterior has been cleaned and buffed by previous caretaker. Chamber interior remains in original state, unpolished - allowing new owner to assess internal condition and clean per personal standards. Rim shows minor wear consistent with use. No visible cracks, deep fills, or stem damage noted. Vulcanite stem shows oxidation typical of age but remains structurally sound. Overall: Good user-grade pipe, ready for immediate enjoyment. DIMENSIONS - Overall length: 5.6 inches / 140 mm - Bowl height: 1.8 inches / 45 mm - Chamber diameter: 0.74 inches / 18.8 mm - Chamber depth: 1.6 inches / 40 mm - Bowl outer diameter: 1.39 inches / 35.3 mm - Weight: to be confirmed - Stem material: Vulcanite (unmarked) CLOSING This Butz Choquin JURA ships directly from our Faridunhill archive with worldwide delivery available. All pipes receive professional exterior sanitation and careful evaluation before dispatch. SKU: SKU-037