Vintage Captain
Black Helmsman Briar Pipe READ!! FOR PARTS OR REPAIR !!!!!!
READ!!!!!!!! Please
be sure to see the close-up photos of the "bite-through" in the
gallery so you know exactly what the repair entails. Because of the French
manufacture, even with a damaged stem, these usually maintain interest for
restoration hobbyists.
This is a vintage
Captain Black Helmsman pipe, a classic piece of briar-ware with a
distinct nautical theme. While "Captain Black" is most famous as a
brand of aromatic pipe they commissioned high-quality pipes from
established European manufacturers to complement their line.
Here are the
complete details for this eBay listing:
Vintage Captain
Black Helmsman Briar Pipe - Made in France - Billiard Shape – with Anchor Logo on
stem
Product Details
& History
• Manufacturer:
Commissioned by the Lane Limited company (owners of Captain Black). These
"Helmsman" series pipes were primarily produced in France by
reputable factories in Saint-Claude, the historic birthplace of briar pipes.
• Era: Likely
late 20th century (1970s–1980s).
• Material
(Wood): Crafted from Aged Briar (Erica arborea). The grain on this specific
piece shows a nice "mixed grain" with some bird’s eye patterns on the
sides of the bowl.
• Pipe Shape:
Classic Billiard. This is characterized by the straight stem and a cylindrical
bowl that sits at a 90-degree angle to the shank.
•
Stem/Mouthpiece: Made of Vulcanite (hardened rubber). It features the iconic
Anchor logo stamped on the side, consistent with the nautical
"Helmsman" branding.
• Band: Features
a nickel or chrome-plated transition band between the shank and the stem.
• Markings: *
Left side of shank: "Captain Black" over "Helmsman" in
cursive script.
• Bottom/Right
side of shank: "MADE IN FRANCE".
Condition Report
Note to buyer: Please
note the hole through the stem, I am listing this as "For Parts or
Repair" and clearly state "AS IS" in the title to avoid any return.
• Estate
Condition: The briar bowl is in good structural shape with a nice patina and
minimal "rim darkening" (charring on the top).
• Stem Wear:
Significant oxidation is present on the vulcanite (the brownish-grey fade).
• Major Defect:
There is a "bite-through" on the mouthpiece near the button. The stem
will likely need to be replaced by the buyer or patched with food-grade black
cyanoacrylate and briar dust.
• Chamber: Shows
a light cake layer; appears solid with no visible burnout in the bowl.
Historical
Context for Description
The Captain Black
Helmsman was marketed as a reliable, "everyman" pipe. Because they
were made in France, they often utilized higher-quality briar than many
American-made drugstore pipes of the same era. They are sought after by
collectors who enjoy branded" memorabilia or those looking
for a solid French-made briar to restore.
Please be sure to
see the close-up photos of the "bite-through" in the gallery so you
know exactly what the repair entails. Because of the French manufacture, even
with a damaged stem, these usually maintain interest for restoration hobbyists.
Disclaimer!!!! This is a vintage, collectible estate
pipe. It contains no tobacco and is not intended for the consumption of tobacco
products, per Ebay policy.
Good condition. Note to Collectors: I am an estate
researcher/reseller and not a pipe expert, so I describe these items to the
best of my visual ability. This pipe is an estate-found item. While I have
given it a light external cleaning, it is being sold in "as-found"
condition. It may require additional reaming, stem polishing, or professional
refinishing to meet your specific standards. To avoid any surprises, please
zoom in on all photos as they serve as the primary description of the item's
condition.
Vintage estate find; light surface cleaning only. Please
see all photos and descriptions for rim wear, oxidation, and overall wear
levels.
Approximate
physical dimensions:
• Overall Length:
5-7/8” inches
• Vulcanite Stem
Length: 1-5/8” inches
• Bowl Height: 1-3/4”
inches
• Bowl Diameter
(Outer): 1-1/4” inches
• Chamber
Diameter (Inner): 3/4 inches
• Chamber Depth: 1-1/2”
inches
• Weight: 1.5
ounces
********************************************************************************************************
Please study the pictures and do your research on this item.
Keep in mind the
shipping price also covers all handling fees, packaging materials & time,
not just postage.
We do our best to
give accurate descriptions of our items and photograph every item.
Please refer to
the pictures for more details; review all pictures and ask all legitimate
questions before purchasing.
We always post
pictures of actual items up for sale, so what you see on our showcase is what
you will receive!
Please scan and
zoom in on all pictures so you can see complete details and overall quality.
See ALL photos
for they are PART of the description and the ACTUAL item you will receive
Great addition to
your collection or give as a fabulous gift for your loved ones!
As fellow
collectors, we always make sure to pack with extra care for safe journey.
Please review my
feedback and buy with confidence.
Please feel
free to contact me for further assistance! Thank you and have a great day!
Thank you for
looking and please don't hesitate to contact me.
Ref bin location
# bin pipe 1