Comoy’s Extraordinare 235, Smooth Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe

Comoy’s is a historic brand in pipe making, and possibly the most historic brand in the making of briar pipes. Though originally founded in 1825 by a French family from Saint Claude, France, production of Comoy’s pipes was soon moved to London, England, where it established itself as one of the quintessential English pipe companies. When this pipe happened across my desk, my first thought was ‘I think I’ve just found someone’s unicorn.’ Upon closer inspection, my intuition was vindicated. It is a Comoy’s Extraordinaire – a designation used for the make’s larger or more unique pipes – but it is not just any Extraordinaire. Judging by the nomenclature, this Extraordinaire was made some time before World War 2, and I’m inclined to think that a closer estimation would be between 1917 and the 1930s. I will transcribe the nomenclature below if it is not clear from the photos. In addition to being a particularly rare, early 20th century Comoy’s, this one happens to have the most beautiful grain patterns I think I’ve ever seen from the make, with chatoyant bird’s-eyes galore around almost the entirety of the bowl. These patterns are further accentuated by a magnificent golden brown stain. ‘Extraordinare’ isn’t wrong this pipe really is extraordinary. The condition is excellent. There’s some darkening on the inner lip of the rim, but the pipe really is in great shape.   For those interested, the nomenclature reads: COMOY’S (slightly arched, with slightly larger C and S) EXTRAORDINAIRE and LONDON MADE (in symmetrical arches) 235   Details: Length: 5.7″ Bowl Width: 20.9mm Bowl Depth: 2.1″ Weight: 2.0oz / 58g