Description
This is a rusticated billiard made by Jean Lacroix. Jean Lacroix tobacco pipes represent a cherished chapter in the rich tradition of French briar craftsmanship. Rooted in the historic pipe-making town of Saint-Claude in the Jura region of France, Jean Lacroix pipes are known among connoisseurs for their elegant simplicity, classic shapes, and solid smoking performance.
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) | 1.90” / 48mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.35” / 34mm |
| Pipe Length | 6” / 152mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.65” / 42mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .81” / 21mm |
| Pipe Weight | 32g |
| Pipe Shape | Billiard |
| Stem Shape | Straight |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | 120 |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Rusticated |
| Country | France |
About Jean Lacroix Pipes
Jean Lacroix tobacco pipes represent a cherished chapter in the rich tradition of French briar craftsmanship. Rooted in the historic pipe-making town of Saint-Claude in the Jura region of France, Jean Lacroix pipes are known among connoisseurs for their elegant simplicity, classic shapes, and solid smoking performance.
The Lacroix name in pipe-making stretches back generations. In the 19th century, Eugene Lacroix worked at the renowned Delacour factory, establishing the family’s connection to briar craftsmanship. His sons eventually opened their own workshop in 1921, and later Jean Lacroix, one of the grandsons, set up the Jean Lacroix brand independently around 1962. Remarkably, he began operating in a building once owned by his grandfather — linking past and present in an almost poetic continuation of tradition.
Jean Lacroix quickly earned a reputation for pipes that balance well-made construction with timeless French design. He became a respected figure in the Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers de Saint-Claude, a prestigious guild celebrating master pipe-makers.
Jean Lacroix pipes are typically crafted from briar wood, prized for its heat resistance and natural grain. Many examples bear simple, classic silhouettes such as billiard, bulldog, or freehand shapes, often finished to enhance the briar’s grain without turning to overly elaborate decoration. Collectors note that the pipes are straightforward in design yet solid in build, making them reliable everyday smokers.
Older estate pieces are often stamped with “JEAN LACROIX”, “Maitre-Pipier à Saint-Claude,” or similar maker’s marks, reflecting their French provenance. A museum collection piece dating from the 1980s bears exactly this kind of incised signature, confirming the maker’s identity and origin.
Today, true new old stock Jean Lacroix pipes are hard to find, often surfacing only through estate sales or specialist dealers. Enthusiasts appreciate them for their vintage appeal, craftsmanship, and the sense of continuity they represent in a craft that dates back centuries.
While the Jean Lacroix workshop ceased operation after the master’s passing in 2007, his pipes continue to be enjoyed — particularly by collectors who value both their smoking qualities and their place in the grand heritage of French pipe-making.
