Description
Julius Vesz was one of the world’s premiere pipe makers and perfected his craft for close to 60 years. He maintained a supply of centuries-old briar that he accumulated since the 1960s. Julius was renowned for using aged root briar. This briar root died and remained untouched for hundreds of years before it was dug out of the ground, enabling it to dry and age naturally. Pipes created from this unique and rare material offer a cool, smooth smoking experience.
Born and raised in Hungary, Julius was first exposed to pipe making through his grandfather, whose antique meerschaum pipes are still sought after. After immigrating to Canada at age 23, Julius continued on his own, setting up a modest shop in his home repairing pipes for the likes of United Cigar and Dunhill. He made his first pipe in 1959, an Apple under the name of the "Craft Briar Pipe Co." . Many visitors to Toronto make a trip to the Royal York Hotel on Front Street with the express intention of visiting Julius’ shop in the east concourse.
This pipe is a quarter-bent Prince that sits unaided upon a table. This pipe has never been smoked and is in like-new condition. The bottom of the shank is stamped "Julius Vesz Hand Made Canada", "40, "4".
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 has not been previously smoked. 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.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 1.37” / 35mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.72” / 44mm |
| Pipe Length | 6” / 152mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.16” / 29mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .79” / 20mm |
| Pipe Weight | 36g |
| Pipe Shape | Prince |
| Stem Shape | Quarter-Bent |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | N/A |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Rusticated / Smooth |
| Country | Canada |
About Julius Vesz
Julius Vesz is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most influential and accomplished artisan pipemakers, with a legacy rooted in Toronto and respected throughout the international pipe-smoking community. Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship, disciplined engineering, and understated aesthetic, Vesz helped define modern Canadian pipemaking and set standards that continue to guide artisans today.
Born in Hungary, Julius Vesz developed an early appreciation for fine handwork and precision. After immigrating to Canada, he settled in Toronto, where his background in engineering and toolmaking would become central to his approach to pipe construction. Unlike many makers who arrived at pipemaking through collecting or smoking alone, Vesz approached the craft as a technical discipline, applying rigorous standards to airflow, drilling alignment, and internal geometry. This engineering-driven philosophy became a hallmark of his work.
Vesz founded Julius Vesz Pipes in Toronto and quickly gained recognition for pipes that combined classical forms with exceptional smoking performance. While his shapes often drew inspiration from traditional English and European designs—billiards, bulldogs, Canadians, and Dublins—his execution was unmistakably his own. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and a restrained elegance defined his aesthetic, allowing function and form to work in harmony rather than compete.
Perhaps Vesz’s greatest contribution to pipemaking was his insistence on precision. He was known for near-perfect drilling, carefully calculated airway dimensions, and consistent draw, qualities that earned his pipes a reputation as superb smokers. He was also highly selective in his materials, using well-cured briar and high-quality vulcanite stems, all shaped and finished by hand in his workshop.
Beyond his own production, Julius Vesz played a vital role as a mentor and educator. He trained and influenced several pipemakers who would go on to establish respected careers of their own, helping to solidify Toronto’s reputation as a center of high-quality pipe craftsmanship. His willingness to share knowledge—while demanding excellence—made him a pivotal figure in sustaining and advancing the craft in Canada.
Though Julius Vesz has passed away, his influence endures. His pipes remain highly sought after by collectors, admired not for ornamentation or trend, but for their integrity, performance, and timeless design. In the history of modern pipemaking, Julius Vesz stands as a master craftsman whose work exemplified discipline, clarity of purpose, and a profound respect for the smoker’s experience.
