A Historical and Pictor1al Guide To American
Christmas Pipes
1985-1986
1985 marked the largest production year yet, 36 pipes. Curt
designed and made the pipe. We even custom designed a stem for the
pipe which we ordered from Italy earlier in the year. A tall bent
bulldog, it was a unique shape that sold its entire production run
easily. John's store was beginning to get wider customer
recognition and our own sales in the shop were spiraling. We were
confident enough to raise our prices and the pipe pictured below,
from John's collection sold for $125. This was the last year of
vulcanite and lucite stem production for us, note the star without
the ring. The next year we changed the logo to the now familiar
star circled by a briar ring. I have never seen one of these pipes
turn up for trade or sale at a pipe show. It would be quite a coup
finding one.
The 1986 Christmas Pipe was not a real successful shape. I think
Curt and John designed it. We were looking for something unique.
Turns out we made a heavy, unbalanced pipe that did not sell
briskly. we did learn form this lesson in the coming years.
