Vauen Pearl 368 Billiard - Nuremberg Filter Pipe, Cross Grain

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. This is a Vauen Pearl 368 straight billiard with bent stem, crafted in Nuremberg, Germany by one of the world's oldest continuously operating pipe manufacturers. The pipe features a lucite band accent and 9mm filter compatibility, representing Vauen's mid-20th-century commitment to both classic form and functional innovation. The briar displays pronounced cross and vertical grain patterning throughout. Vauen was founded in 1848 in Nuremberg by Karl Ellenberger and Carl August Ziener, making it Germany's oldest pipe manufacturer. The company name derives from Vereinigten Pfeifenfabriken Nurnberg (United Pipe Factories Nuremberg), formalized in 1909 to consolidate Nuremberg's dominant pipe-making operations. Vauen pioneered the 9mm filter system in the 1920s with the Dr. Perl Junior line, fundamentally changing modern pipe design. The Pearl series represents the brand's dedication to elegant classical shapes paired with high-grade briar selection. Now in its sixth generation of family operation, Vauen survived material scarcities of twentieth-century warfare and emerged as a global standard of quality. Grading and Marks: - Stamp: 'VAUEN' in serif block letters - Model designation: '368' stamped clearly - Series: 'PEARL' line identification - Filter compatibility: 9mm marked - Lucite band: present as original factory accent - Country of origin: GERMANY stamped - Finish grade: smooth with cross-grain character - No prior stem repairs evident Shape Analysis: The pipe presents as a straight billiard with subtle downward stem bend - a transitional design that softens the classical upright billiard profile. The bowl sits in proper proportion with muscular walls and classic geometry. The bent stem provides ergonomic comfort without compromising the iconic billiard silhouette. Briar and Finish: The stummel displays prominent cross-grain and vertical grain patterning, indicating careful selection from premium briar stock. The smooth finish preserves the natural grain character while maintaining a polished surface. Age has developed a rich patina consistent with mid-century German manufacture. Condition Report: Overall grade: Very Good to Excellent. The rim shows even wear with no burns or cracks. Chamber walls are clean with light oxidation consistent with age. The stem is unchecked with original amber lucite coloration intact. No structural fills or repairs detected. Light surface wear throughout is period-appropriate for an estate piece of this quality. Dimensions: - Overall length: to be confirmed - Bowl height: to be confirmed - Chamber diameter: 9mm filter compatible - Chamber depth: to be confirmed - Estimated weight: to be confirmed This Vauen Pearl 368 ships directly from the Faridunhill archive with worldwide shipping available. Professional restoration and sanitation completed to collector standards. SKU: SKU-309