This pipe has all kinds of old markings on it, including an “EB” for one of the Barling bros., and a “Regd” which I’m assuming has to do with some registration number the company filed, but which does not appear on the pipe. The crossed “Barling” is clearly visible on the stem, although almost all of the white is buffed off. What can you expect after all these years? It’s also stamped EXEL. I’d call it a Grp. 4 or a small 5. The condition of the pipe is excellent. Here’s what the old SmokingPipes writer, Bear Graves, had to say about this pipe when that company sold it to this consignor (RS) some 17 years ago: “…the straight grain of this pipe approaches the supernatural. This pre-transition Barling pipe approaches ‘mint’ and can’t possibly stay on this site for long.”
For those of you who remember Bear, a very good guy, you know he was the king of hyperbole, or purple prose if you prefer. I would not say the grain approaches anything but a good straight grain…which is saying a lot at a time when grain wasn’t always the defining worth of a pipe. “Supernatural?” I don’t want to be responsible for that kind of exaggeration. Happily, the condition is still ‘excellent.’
5.8” long, bowl 1.5” tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 40 grams.