Calich Straight Billiard Tobacco Smoking Pipe

Description

John Calich was one of Canada’s finest carvers; he died in July 2008. John was a full-time pipe maker for over 40 years. Calich pipes were mostly traditional shapes. His signature style is rustication and smooth on the same pipe along with his unique skill to stain a pipe in contrasting colours. He used only top-quality Grecian and Calabrian briar. The mouthpieces are hand finished Vulcanite “A”. Each pipe was entirely made by hand. John Calich was featured in the summer 2005 issue of Pipes & Tobacco.

Each Calich pipe uses a grading system. John’s early grading was from 3 – 14. By the late 1980’s, Calich introduced 15, 16, and even one 17. In the mid-90’s the grading system changed employing a number of E’s. Last gradings: 3E – 7E (10E was the top level but levels exceeding 7E or 8E never have been used. Grade xxx denoted high quality. As of 2005 John was producing 200-500 pipes per year.

This straight Billiard has some unique features. First, the pipe has a beautiful sienna stain. Second, the pipe is rusticated with a seamless transition between the shank and the stem. A slight flattening on the base of the bowl means this pipe will sit upright unattended. The shank is stamped "00", "E". Own a piece of history; there are no more Calich pipes being produced.

The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This particular pipe has not been previously smoked and is in "good as new" condition. Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund.

Note: Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.