BBB is one of the most haunting names in old English pipe making, one of the first and still to this day widely considered to be some of the best briars of all time! In the early days after Adolph Frankau, Louis Blumfeld took over c.1856 and really was the one responsible for BBB becoming Britain's premier pipe making firm. 54 years later, this remarkable pipe was carved and hallmarked 1910 in Birmingham, the year King Edward died. At this time, larger pipes were becoming more popular, but small pipes still reigned king and this is probably one of the first and earliest examples of an Opera Pipe I have ever had the pleasure of offering! I saw one time on a forum someone said they thought Dunhill invented the Opera pipe, and though Alfred was transitioning from a motoring company to a pipe company the year this pipe was made, Dunhill would not offer an Opera pipe for another decade at least to my knowledge. The bowl has lovely form to it and of course "flat" in profile to sit comfortably in your vest pocket and not bulge while where? Of course, the Opera! I can just imagine the gentleman who original owned this pipe 116 years ago pulling it out of his vest pocket at intermission much to the jealousy of the others around him without a pipe to enjoy a quick bowl before the second act although the chamber with a good flake will probably smoke for an hour! The transition is incredible to a full bent shank adorned with a brilliant Sterling Silver band hallmarked Birmingham 1910 and meets the original unique flat vulcanite saddle stem with orifical bit. Finish is a rich medium while the briar shows off stunning birdseye and unique swirling cross! Near mint for its age, an incredible museum piece from BBB simply not to be missed!

Nomenclature: BBB

Dimensions (approximate): 4" Long, 1 1/2" Tall, 9/16"X7/8" Chamber Width (Oval), 1 1/8" Chamber Depth

Condition: Excellent. Chamber is clean and sound. Other than some minor wear to the interior edge of the rim commensurate with age and a bit of wear to the silver band, this pipe is in extraordinarily fine condition for being 116 years old!

Weight: 22g

Filter: None

**I buy individual pipes or entire collections, please reach out for details!

Be sure to check out my other fine and rare pipes at auction. Follow me as a seller to be updated first on my fresh listings!

I aim to offer the best selection of pipes covering all makes and grades, truly something for every smoker and collector! All of my pipes I personally restore, sanitize, and ready them to smoke upon arrival at your doorstep! I take the utmost care in my restoration methods to ensure the pipe is as close to its original state as possible and never compromise. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy bringing them back to life! 

Shipping: 

Domestic is $12 via USPS Priority. 

International: If you are registered with the Global Shipping Program, the cost for pipes under $500 in value is $10 to ship to eBay's shipping center and then the customs fees/tariffs are calculated there and up to the buyer if they are charged up front or on the back end once processed. Due to an almost 25% increase for Express and Priority Shipping, I am switching back to First Class for $25 moving forward to all international destinations. Express or Priority is available upon request, as is insurance. Any lost parcels will be refunded upon insurance payout.

Restoration Methods: I have been restoring pipes for 17 years and have taken bits and pieces from many guys whom I consider the best there ever was in the business and built upon it with my own experience and tricks of the trade. Each pipe is first cleaned by removing all cake, making the chamber smooth and round again if necessary, removing all gunk in the shank and stem with alcohol, then exterior cleaning and polishing of the stummel and stem with no oxidation left but at the same time leaving the vulcanite or acrylic and any logos intact. My restorations end with the pipe looking like new and being completely free from previous signs of use. I do not use salt/alcohol treatments in my bowls but rather if the pipe smells of prior tobacco I will put it in my ozone chamber to make neutral. Lastly, many guys ask me "how are your pipes so shiny!!??" I lightly use the fluffy edge of my white diamond buffing wheel to clean and restore stummels which removes all grime and oils while restoring the original factory luster. I then hand buff and finish with a flannel wheel with high quality carnauba applying multiple coats as they do at the factory as well. This results in the pipe looking as new and will keep it's finish with a simple terry cloth hand buffing at home. Enjoy!

-Deadmanspipes