Description
The heart of French pipe making country, St. Claude, is home to the Butz Choquin factory. The Butz-Choquin Arlay No. 1275 is a refined expression of classic French pipe design, balancing elegance with everyday practicality. Rendered in a traditional shape, this model features a well-proportioned bowl with a gentle taper, offering both visual harmony and a comfortable feel in hand. Its silhouette reflects Butz-Choquin’s long-standing commitment to timeless aesthetics, making it an appealing choice for both seasoned collectors and newer enthusiasts.
Crafted from quality briar, the Arlay 1275 is finished in a warm, understated stain that highlights the natural grain of the wood. The smooth finish lends a touch of sophistication, while also allowing the pipe to develop a unique patina over time with regular use. The bowl’s chamber is thoughtfully sized, making it suitable for a wide range of tobacco cuts and smoking durations. The pipe is fitted with an acrylic stem, providing durability and resistance to wear, while maintaining a comfortable clench. The junction between stem and shank is precise, ensuring a seamless draw and reliable performance. Subtle detailing, including the Arlay line’s signature styling, adds character without overwhelming the pipe’s clean lines.
In use, the Butz-Choquin Arlay No. 1275 delivers a consistent and satisfying smoking experience. Its balanced weight and ergonomic design make it ideal for extended sessions, whether enjoyed at home or on the move. Altogether, it represents a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, functionality, and understated French style. Includes a Silver band with hallmark where the stem meets the shank.
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 pipe was previously smoked but has been completely and professionally reconditioned and sanitized. 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.
Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 1.71” / 43mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.32” / 34mm |
| Pipe Length | 6” / 152mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.52” / 39mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .76” / 19mm |
| Pipe Weight | 33g |
| Pipe Shape | Billiard |
| Stem Shape | Straight |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | 1275 |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Smooth |
| Country | France |
About Butz Choquin Pipes
Established in 1858 in Metz, France by tobacconists Jean-Baptiste Choquin and his son-in-law Gustave Butz, Butz-Choquin stands as one of the most historic and respected names in pipe making. The brand’s origins lie in the creation of its very first pipe — a gracefully curved briar with a flat-bottomed bowl, albatross bone shank, and silver rings — symbolizing both innovation and craftsmanship from the outset.
Butz-Choquin’s early success in France soon blossomed into international recognition. After the company was acquired by the Berrod-Regad firm in 1951, production was moved to Saint-Claude, in the Jura region — a town long recognized as the world capital of briar pipes. There, the brand expanded its reach, exporting pipes across Europe and beyond, eventually earning distinctions like the Oscar of Export and the Gold Cup of French Good Taste.
Unlike many manufacturers that prioritize either purely traditional lines or purely modern aesthetics, Butz-Choquin occupies a unique middle ground. Their catalog encompasses classic shapes — such as Billiard, Apple, Bulldog, and Bent — while also offering creative and colourful designs. Collections like the Formula series feature bold finishes inspired by contemporary themes, and specialty lines such as Cappadoce integrate meerschaum linings for cooler, cleaner smoking experiences.
Across its long history, the workshop has produced hundreds of models, many embraced by pipe smokers as dependable daily smokers. Some series, like the Opera and Cumberland collections, offer refined aesthetics and materials — including cumberland stems and rich briar grain — while others focus on performance and approachable pricing.
The brand also cultivated a reputation for collaboration with master carvers and artisans, resulting in hand-finished pipes sought by collectors. Older lines like the Maître-Pipier designation highlight this blend of machine precision and human artistry that defines much of Saint-Claude’s pipe-making heritage.
Today, Butz-Choquin remains emblematic of French briar pipe tradition — a bridge between past and present that continues to be cherished by pipe enthusiasts worldwide for its rich history, diverse styles, and enduring quality.
