Portland Model 418 Smooth Straight Apple Pipe, Danish Style, 9mm Filter - Excellent

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. This is a vintage Portland Model 418 straight apple pipe, crafted by the English Portland Pipe Company during its operational years (circa 1930s-1962). The pipe exemplifies Danish-inspired design principles with its smooth finish, rounded apple bowl, and classic straight stem configuration. Equipped with a wide fishtail mouthpiece and 9mm filter system, this example represents a functional and aesthetically refined mid-century smoking instrument. The Portland Pipe Company was an English manufacturer active from the 1930s through approximately 1962, producing well-made estate pipes that reflected both traditional English craftsmanship and continental design influences. The Model 418 series represents the company's commitment to Danish-style functional forms, which gained popularity during the mid-twentieth century. These pipes are characterized by clean lines, balanced proportions, and an emphasis on practical smoking comfort-hallmarks of the functionalist aesthetic that defined Danish pipe design from the 1950s onward. Grading and Marks: - Maker stamp: Portland - Model designation: 418 - Country of origin: England - Finish grade: Smooth - Mouthpiece type: Wide fishtail - Filter system: 9mm compatible - Overall condition grade: Excellent (minimal wear) Shape Analysis: The straight apple is a refined bowl form that emerged in early twentieth-century pipe design, drawing inspiration from the billiard but with a more rounded, organically proportioned bowl. This shape provides superior heat distribution and ergonomic smoking comfort. The straight stem maintains classical proportion and ensures clean aesthetics with the fishtail mouthpiece offering secure, comfortable engagement. Briar and Finish: The smooth briar finish reveals the natural grain structure of the wood without artificial texture, typical of quality English pipe production. The finish is clean and well-executed, showcasing the subtle figure of the briar while maintaining a professional appearance consistent with Portland's manufacturing standards. Condition Report: This pipe grades Excellent overall. The rim shows minimal wear, the chamber is clean with no evidence of damage or structural compromise, and the fishtail stem displays only expected light patina consistent with age and light use. No repairs or significant fills are evident. The pipe is fully functional and suitable for immediate use or collection display. Dimensions: - Overall length: 5.5 inches (140 mm) - Bowl height: 1.8 inches (46 mm) - Bowl width: 1.6 inches (41 mm) - Chamber diameter: 0.75 inches (19 mm) - Chamber depth: 1.5 inches (38 mm) - Weight: 1.4 oz (40 grams) This estate pipe ships directly from the Faridunhill archive with worldwide delivery available. All pipes receive professional restoration and sanitation prior to shipment. SKU: SKU-070