Anyone smoke a Parker?

[Stick]

... if so, what are your thoughts?

 

[Anonymous]

That's kind of like saying "Anybody drive a Ford ?"

I've got a patent era Brueyere Canadian (retirement present from Mr. E here) & a "Straightgrain A" billiard (with a George Dibos arcylic re-stem) -- both from maybe 1945-50 (?) that are phenomenal pipes.

FWIW

 

[gravel]

I have an old Parker Pot that smokes remarkably well. I almost sold it. Glad I didn't

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

I have a Cherrywood Poker Super Briar Bark from the 60's that is quite nice. Smoke really well.

 

[Stick]

That's kind of like saying "Anybody drive a Ford ?"

I've got a patent era Brueyere Canadian (retirement present from Mr. E here) & a "Straightgrain A" billiard (with a George Dibos arcylic re-stem) -- both from maybe 1945-50 (?) that are phenomenal pipes.

FWIW

I like the car analogy Yak. I guess Fords are reliable, easy to drive, and capable of big mileage. I'm still learning... Canadians are like a billiard but with a longer stem?

 

[Stick]

I have an old Parker Pot that smokes remarkably well. I almost sold it. Glad I didn't

Cool avatar there Mr Gravel Sir. I'm a big fan of adventure expeditions like Scott's and Shackleton's. They were hardy types back then and as your avatar depicts, most seemed to enjoy the comforts of a briar.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Canadians are like a billiard but with a longer stem?

Canadians typically have a long oval shaped stem with a short bit. The stem's gotta be oval though.

 

[Briar Spirit]

I own 4 Parker's and they all smoke exceedingly well, you'd do well to check out this chaps site if you haven't been there yet:

http://www.mysmokingshop.co.uk/index2.php?mod=mancats&man=376&sec=1534

There are 20+ in his Special Selection section, some marvellous pipes there and for the money one doesn't mind using them for workhorse pipes, I sold 2 of my Parker's, rather large Bent Billiards and regret it still to this day, absolutely marvellous smokers they are.

 

[KevinM]

My briar hoard includes a Parker Jockey Club 97. Looks like a Prince to me, but the estate pipe descrip said it was an unsmoked 1/4 bent Apple. Take yr pick. Anyway, after I ordered it, I read on a message board that old Parkers can be dandy, not so much newer ones, and -- in particular -- the worstest were new Parker Jockey Clubs which should be avoided.

The Internet estate pipe seller (hint, from Vermont and first name is Carole) said, "Don't be such a wimp. When it gets there, check it out, and if you don't like it, return it." So when it arrived I eyeballed it thoroughly, found nary a flaw and especially liked the nice open draw and the blast which is just enough to facilitate a grip with cold hands for outside smoking in cold weather.

I've been trying to identify some family of tobaks that it might be dedicated to, but it seems to be omniverous. It's a beaut!

 

[Ocelot55]

Here is my Parker collection:



They span the life of Parker as a pipe maker.
The three Super Bruyeres on the right are all patent pipes from the 40s. They are the best in the collection.
The two Super Briar Barks on the left are younger than the patents. One of them has a group sizing stamp similar to a Dunhill. They also smoke great.
The two light colored Parkers are  a Golden and a London Select. These are even younger still. The London Select is probably 70s while the golden is 80s. The golden has phenomenal birdseye, but also has two medium putty fills.
The bottom bent billiard is a Parker Knight from the 90s. It is the worst Parker I have. It smokes hot and wet. It also came with one of those annoying metal inserts in the tenon that I promptly removed.

Bottom line? The older the Parker the better the pipe was made. This usually equals a better smoker. Not always, but most of the time.

 

[fsu92john]

I have one Parker, a sandblasted straight Dublin. It's an OK smoker, but no more than that. I recall the break-in being unpleasant. This is one of the newer Parkers--I think I bought it around 2001 or 2002. I've heard the older ones are excellent, but I have no experience of those.

 

[Aristokles]

I was gifted a large Parker billiard last year by a fellow BoB. (Thanks again you who wished to remain anon).

I simply love the pipe.

 

[gravel]

I have an old Parker Pot that smokes remarkably well. I almost sold it. Glad I didn't

Cool avatar there Mr Gravel Sir. I'm a big fan of adventure expeditions like Scott's and Shackleton's.  They were hardy types back then and as your avatar depicts, most seemed to enjoy the comforts of a briar.

Please, it's just gravel. I am glad you recognize the avatar's origin. I too share a love of those expeditions.


The avatar was a subtle clue for my Secret Santa recipient. :lol:

 

[SpeedyPete]

I have two of the older Parkers with the Dunhill type markings. They are exceptionally good smokers. I keep my eyes on eBay to find some more of these jewels.

I also have two new Parkers, don't smoke them to often. Won't buy more.

 

[Stick]

I own 4 Parker's and they all smoke exceedingly well, you'd do well to check out this chaps site if you haven't been there yet:


There are 20+ in his Special Selection section, some marvellous pipes there and for the money one doesn't mind using them for workhorse pipes, I sold 2 of my Parker's, rather large Bent Billiards and regret it still to this day, absolutely marvellous smokers they are.

Thanks for sharing this Briar Spirit.  The 54 on the second page is exactly what I have.  I'm very pleased with it but being my first pipe don't really have anything to compare it to.  But like you said, for the money you can't complain.  Mine came from a long established tobacconist in Edinburgh.  If you ask mr Google for Pipe shop edinburgh you'll pick it up.  Thanks for the steer friend.

 

[Stick]

Here is my Parker collection:

They span the life of Parker as a pipe maker.
The three Super Bruyeres on the right are all patent pipes from the 40s. They are the best in the collection.
The two Super Briar Barks on the left are younger than the patents. One of them has a group sizing stamp similar to a Dunhill. They also smoke great.
The two light colored Parkers are  a Golden and a London Select. These are even younger still. The London Select is probably 70s while the golden is 80s. The golden has phenomenal birdseye, but also has two medium putty fills.
The bottom bent billiard is a Parker Knight from the 90s. It is the worst Parker I have. It smokes hot and wet. It also came with one of those annoying metal inserts in the tenon that I promptly removed.

Bottom line? The older the Parker the better the pipe was made. This usually equals a better smoker. Not always, but most of the time.

Thanks for taking the time to share your collection Ocelot.  They really are a splendid line up.  The pipe I smoke is a spit for the straight billiard on the left, but being a more contemporary version, I doubt it smokes so well as yours.  I guess I need to consider estates when I buy next...!

 

[Stick]

I have an old Parker Pot that smokes remarkably well. I almost sold it. Glad I didn't

Cool avatar there Mr Gravel Sir. I'm a big fan of adventure expeditions like Scott's and Shackleton's.  They were hardy types back then and as your avatar depicts, most seemed to enjoy the comforts of a briar.

Please, it's just gravel. I am glad you recognize the avatar's origin. I too share a love of those expeditions.


The avatar was a subtle clue for my Secret Santa recipient. :lol:

Thank you Gravel. Dr Atkinson I presume?!! If you haven't read it already may I recommend 'Endurance' by Alfred Lansing. It is the truly remarkable story of Shackleton's ill fated exped to the ant arctic recounted in a way that moves one to tears. Simply a must have.

 

[Stick]

I have one Parker, a sandblasted straight Dublin. It's an OK smoker, but no more than that. I recall the break-in being unpleasant. This is one of the newer Parkers--I think I bought it around 2001 or 2002. I've heard the older ones are excellent, but I have no experience of those.

My break in nearly put me off smoking for good. Glad I stuck with it as I'm starting to appreciate the true flavours of the tobacco.

 

[herbinedave]

I have 2 patent era Parkers, one a 1938 Super Briar and the other a 1945 Super Briar. Throw in several newer pipes and I have gotten a lot of bang for my buck. I would not hesitate to purchase more.

 

[SpeedyPete]

I have 2 patent era Parkers, one a 1938 Super Briar and the other a 1945 Super Briar  I would not hesitate to purchase more.

Indeed  :cheers: