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When briar was first used in pipemaking, the shapes and models hardly differed from those made from other materials. But by the time the briar pipe industry was, fully established in 1855-1860, pipe makers had realized the flexibility of the material, and briar pipes began to acquire their own characteristics. As a result, the demand for briar pipes grew very quickly and a basic range of popular shapes and models was developed. These shapes still form the foundation for current models on the market. To help both the new and experienced pipesmoker understand the myriad shapes and sizes available in the world of pipes, we presents the following guide.
The Billiard
This shape has become the most popular in briar pipes. It simply has a straight part called the shank, with the bowl mounted at a right angle (technically, it is not exactly 90 degrees; if it were, it would look wrong). The shank is extended by the part that is held in the mouth, called the "bit" or mouthpiece. This shape developed out of machine turning and probably owes its name to the straight cue used in the game of billiards. It can be made in all sizes, from miniature to giants.
The Billiard has a number of variations. The Liverpool has a long shank and a short taper bit (mouthpiece); the Lovat, named after Henry Fraser, Lord Lovat - a Scottish laird of World War I fame - is like a Liverpool, but fitted with a saddle bit (a saddle bit has a flattened part for easier gripping); the Canadian or Lumberman, has a long oval shank with a short taper bit. Tall Billiards have been called Toppers, Eiffel Towers, or Chimneys: the Poker has a flat base so that it can stand up.
Next articles: Guide to Pipe Shapes and Styles: The Apple
