Hilson A 108 Sapphire Blue Smooth Straight Billiard Dutch Estate Pipe

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a Hilson A 108 model, a straight billiard of Dutch manufacture dating to the post-1980 era. The pipe is finished in sapphire blue with a smooth briar surface, representing the reliable Continental craftsmanship Hilson became known for across European markets. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Hilson traces its founding to 1846 when Jean-Claude Hillen established a trading company in Bree, Belgium. The brand achieved prominence throughout the 1960s and 1970s as a respected European manufacturer offering quality briar at accessible prices. In 1980, the original Belgian company faced financial restructuring and was acquired by Royal Dutch Pipe Factory, Elbert Gubbels & Zonen B.V. in Roermond, Netherlands. Following this acquisition, production shifted entirely from Belgium to the Dutch facility, which also manufactured Big Ben and Porsche Design pipes. Dutch-made Hilsons maintained the robust briar selection standards the brand was historically known for. GRADING & MARKS - Stamp: 'Hilson' with 'A 108' model designation - Country marking: 'Made in Holland' - Finish grade: Smooth - Filter size: 9mm - Era: Post-1980 Dutch manufacture - Production: Royal Dutch Pipe Factory, Roermond SHAPE ANALYSIS The A 108 is a straight billiard with classical proportions. The bowl presents standard billiard geometry with a chubby shank section providing satisfying weight and durability. The overall lines emphasize comfort and balance typical of mid-century Continental design. BRIAR & FINISH The briar exhibits the characteristic sapphire blue stain applied to quality root stock. The smooth finish reveals the grain structure beneath, demonstrating the quality selection Hilson maintained. The coloration and finish preservation suggest careful previous stewardship. CONDITION REPORT Overall grade: Very Good. The pipe is pre-smoked with minor oxidation consistent with age. Rim shows light wear. Chamber is clean and clear. Stem condition to be confirmed. No fills or repairs noted. Ready for immediate smoking rotation. DIMENSIONS - Length: to be confirmed - Bowl height: to be confirmed - Chamber diameter: to be confirmed - Chamber depth: to be confirmed - Weight: to be confirmed - Filter: 9mm standard CLOSING This Dutch-made Hilson represents reliable mid-century European pipe manufacturing at its accessible best. Ships from Faridunhill archive with professional sanitation and worldwide delivery. SKU: SKU-376