Las Vegas Smooth Bent Pot Billiard Calabash - Mediterranean Briar 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 bent pot-billiard hybrid tobacco pipe in smooth finish, hand-rubbed Mediterranean briar with vulcanite saddle stem. Era and maker to be confirmed. The shape represents a contemporary design merging the ergonomic bend of a classic apple with the cylindrical chamber geometry of a traditional billiard form. HISTORICAL CONTEXT The pot-billiard hybrid emerged in late 20th-century pipe making as makers sought to combine the comfort of bent stems with larger, cylindrical bowls suited to ribbon and shag cuts. While not a widely documented historical line, pipes of this configuration appear in estate collections from the 1980s onward, suggesting small-batch production by various European and American makers. The exact manufacturer remains to be confirmed through additional research and markings review. GRADING & MARKS - Maker: To be confirmed - no visible hallmarks documented at acquisition - Model designation: Las Vegas (origin of this designation unclear) - Finish grade: Smooth, hand-rubbed - Material marking: Real Briar stated at acquisition - Country of origin: To be confirmed - Stem material: High-grade vulcanite, saddle configuration - No filter system installed SHAPE ANALYSIS The bent pot-billiard combines a downward-angling shank (approximately 15-20 degree bend) with a cylindrical pot bowl of substantial diameter. The saddle stem offers ergonomic grip between thumb and forefinger. Overall proportions suggest a medium to large chamber capacity designed for generous tobacco loads. BRIAR & FINISH Mediterranean briar selected for heat resistance and moisture absorption properties. Smooth hand-rubbed finish reveals natural grain character across the bowl surface. The finish allows visibility of briar grain patterns without stain obscuration. Wood color appears natural with warm undertones typical of quality Mediterranean stock. CONDITION REPORT Overall grade: To be confirmed upon detailed examination. Initial assessment notes: Rim condition to be documented. Internal chamber to be inspected for cake buildup, cracks, or damage. Stem for tooth marks, oxidation, or surface wear. Any prior fills or repairs to be identified and photographed. Professional cleaning and sanitation will be completed before shipment. DIMENSIONS - Overall length: To be confirmed - Bowl height: To be confirmed - Chamber diameter: To be confirmed - Chamber depth: To be confirmed - Approximate weight: To be confirmed - Stem style: Saddle vulcanite - Configuration: Right-hand bend This estate pipe arrives from the Faridunhill archive with full condition documentation and photographs. We ship worldwide with professional sanitation and secure packaging. All pipes include detailed provenance research and smoking-ready preparation. SKU: SKU-057