Mc lintock Smooth Straight Billiard Vulcanite Stem Estate Pipe

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Identification

This is a Mc lintock smooth straight billiard in briar with a vulcanite tapered stem and fishtail mouthpiece. The pipe weighs 1.6 ounces and is fitted for a 9 mm filter. The smooth finish displays medium brown wood grain across the bowl and shank, with a polished black vulcanite stem.

Historical Context

Mc lintock pipes represent a segment of the mid-20th-century British and continental briar trade. The Mc lintock name appears in pipe documentation as a maker or distributor engaged in the production of straightforward, functional briars aimed at the working smoker. Like many of the smaller independent makers and merchants of the era, Mc lintock focused on reliable geometry and honest briar without elaborate decoration or premium finish work. The straight billiard form was among the most durable and approachable designs in the catalog-a shape that gained steady market presence from the 1920s onward because it was simple to manufacture, forgiving to pack, and equally at home in casual or formal settings.

The vulcanite stem with tapered transition to the shank became standard practice by the 1950s, reflecting improvements in stem material durability and the industry-wide shift away from earlier mouthpiece styles. The 9 mm filter bore indicates this pipe was made during or after the introduction of standardized filter systems, a feature that grew common in the 1960s and later. Pipes of this type were produced in volume and sold through tobacconists, general merchants, and mail-order catalogs across English-speaking markets. They represent the everyday pipe of the postwar era-valued for their performance rather than their rarity or aesthetic ambition.

Grading and Marks

The pipe bears the maker name Mc lintock as a primary identifier. No additional grade marks, country of manufacture stamps, or secondary hallmarks are recorded on this example. The name alone serves as the maker attribution; no dated cartouche or numbered grade system is present. The vulcanite stem carries no secondary markings.

Shape Analysis

The straight billiard is one of the classical pipe geometries and remains a foundational form across all makers and eras. It is defined by a bowl that rises vertically from the shank with minimal flare or curve, paired to a straight shank and stem that run in a single horizontal plane from bowl to mouthpiece. This example measures 145 mm in overall length, with a bowl height of 50 mm and chamber width of 42 mm-proportions that place it comfortably within the standard billiard range, neither oversized nor cramped. The tapered vulcanite stem transitions smoothly to the shank and terminates in a fishtail, a practical and durable mouthpiece design favored for its comfortable grip and resistance to tooth chatter. The straight billiard suits the hand equally well whether held at rest in the fingers or cradled in the teeth for extended smoking. Its vertical bowl encourages even heat distribution and makes it well-suited to both Virginia and Latakia-based blends.

Briar and Finish

The bowl is cut from Mediterranean briar in the traditional manner, with the grain oriented to follow the natural growth lines of the wood. The smooth finish is achieved through hand-sanding and buffing followed by a light stain or oil treatment that brings out the medium brown tone visible on the grain. Smooth finishes allow the full character of the briar to show itself without the visual distraction of a rusticated or carved surface-collectors appreciate smooth pipes for their directness and for the reading of the wood's natural patterning. The finish here is neither high-gloss nor matte, but rather a satin sheen typical of working pipes from this era. The vulcanite stem, polished to a deep black, provides clean visual contrast and was chosen for its durability and ease of cleaning.

Condition Report

Overall condition is good. The bowl rim shows a dark spot indicating old burning; no charring or damage is noted beyond this marking. The chamber is clear. The stem is sound and undamaged. No fills, repairs, cracks, or major oxidation are visible. The pipe is pre-smoked and ready for use. Refer to photographs for full visual inspection.

Dimensions

- Overall length: 145 mm / 5.8 inches
- Bowl height: 50 mm / 1.8 inches
- Bowl width: 42 mm / 1.7 inches
- Bowl depth: 40 mm / 1.6 inches
- Chamber diameter: 20 mm / 0.8 inches
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Filter: 9 mm

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SKU: 214