Quote Originally Posted by Branzig View Post
That is a great looking pipe at an even better price.
This era of Barling is a treasure hunt for me. I couldn't see the end (air hole) of the bit so I judged handmade by the shaping on the flat of the bit and the length of the saddle (longer than machine molded bits). The shaping of the pipe says handmade but Barling's precision with handmade shapes can be confusing. The serial number, 7 series with 4 digits, that I've seen or owned have been pipes that were made, or at least released for sale, between early 1961 through early 1963 but with the Barling name in script they must be from late 1962 into 1963. This particular Barling script stamp I only know from 1963 or a bit later. So it's a 1963 regardless of the manufacture and it if is handmade then it was made with Barling's famed briar. I bid on the pipe as if it was a machine made pipe. We'll see if I was a wanker or not .

I think you look for specific markers in the Custombilts that you buy? Small details that tell a lot about the pipe.

Now I have too many pipes to restore plus one.

Regards,

Pete