Frequently asked Questions

NOMENCLATURE

Q ~ How do tell the pipes apart (nomenclature); I have a Brigham pipe, what grade is it; What do the pins mean?

THE BRIGHAM FILTER

Q ~ What's this I hear about a filter?  I hate filtered pipes - what makes yours so different?

BRIGHAM IN THE USA

Q ~ If you've been around for so long, why haven't we seen you in the USA?

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Q ~ I have a Brigham pipe - what kind of pipe is it?  How do I tell the pipes apart?  What's with the pins?

Brigham pipes have been manufactured in Canada for nearly 100 years and there have been a number of variations in terms of nomenclature. For the most part, the traditional marking system has been the 3 digit code. Pipes range (in the standard series) from the 100 series to the 700 series (ie100,200,300,400,500,600,700). This grading is an ascending scale - 100 being an entry-level pipe, the 700 series being the highest quality of briar and workmanship.

On the bottom of the pipe's bowl or side of the shank, each has a 3-digit code stamped into it. The first number denotes the series (1 to 7) and the next 2 indicate the shape number. For instance, a "456" would indicate a 400 series pipes in shape #56. A letter may follow (on older pipes) indicating bowl size (S = small, M = medium, ML = medium/large, L = large).

Traditionally, Brigham pipes have utilized a pinning system to denote the pipe series. Brass pins in the pipe's stem are a hallmark of the classic Brigham pipe. They were originally used to secure the special Brigham tenon into the shank of the pipe, and were subsequently used to denote the quality of each pipe. This also accounts for the use of the term "dot" instead of "series" amongst most Brigham pipe smokers (ie., you may hear a pipe referred to as a "4 dot").

The dot system originally consisted of 8 separate grades as follows (from lowest to highest grade):
1 DOT - "Brigham Standard" 
2 DOT - "Brigham Select"
3 DOT (star pattern) - "Brigham Exclusive"
3 DOT (vertically aligned) - "Brigham Executive"
4 DOT - "Brigham Director"
3 DOT (horizontally aligned) - "Brigham VIP" 
5 DOT - "Brigham Special Grain"
6 DOT - "Brigham Straight Grain"

Pipes of this era have the Brigham patent number stamped ("CAN PAT 372982") into them beside a cursive "Brigham" logo which was much thinner than the logo of today. In transition to the new logo adopted in the late 70s, at least two variations of a cursive "Brigham" was stamped into the pipes including two horizontally type-set fonts. The patent number appears on pipes up to approximately 1980 after which time the new logo (the logo of today minus the maple leaf) was used exclusively.

Other series were made between the 60s and 80s including a selection of handmades, the Valhalla and Norseman Series and others. These pipes are typically much larger than the regular series, with freehand bowls in "Scandinavian" shapes. These pipes incorporated the Brigham filter system.  The Norseman were fully rusticated and marked with a "W" followed by a number (indicating its shape) and a horizontally aligned 3-dot pattern with one larger dot in the center. The Valhalla were smooth or partially rusticated in the same shape as the Norseman pipes and with the same pinning configuration.

In 1980 (approximately) , the move was made to a 7-grade dot system which simplified the pinning of pipes and made them more easily identified. This is where the 7-dot made its first appearance, and specific names for each grade done away with, as were the vertical and horizontal 3-dot pinning pattern. In higher series, a small number of interesting experimental shapes appeared including those with a carved shank resembling mountains, marked with an "s" beside or near the shape number. No catalogue of these shapes was  kept, although we often come across these pipes when they are sent in for cleaning. if you have one of these pipes, it represents an era of experimentation and should be treasured. 

The Norseman and Valhalla series were consolidated around this time and named the " President Series". These were divided into President A, B, C, D and E grades (A being the highest), indicated on the bowl or shank of the pipe. Both filtered and unfiltered pipes were made in this series, and a designation of 3 dots was adopted. To set them apart from the classic 3-dot configuration, one large dot and two small dots were used, with the largest dot place on the right hand side of the star pattern. Historically, the President series has been a designation given to the pipes of highest quality and workmanship, often in a freehand pattern with larger bowls. The designation has always indicated pipes of a higher grade and therefore there is considerable variety in their form.

A non-filtered pipe appeared during this area which was stamped "OLD PORT". These pipes featured an experimental aluminum tube which was small enough in diameter to regulate air flow. 

As the cost of domestic production began to increase and the ability to produce pipes in the lower range became almost impossible, the "Brigham System" pipe was created. These are identified by a gold star imprinted in the pipe's stem. Manufactured in Italy to Brigham's specifications and incorporating its filter system, these entry level pipes were also stamped "Made in Italy" with "Brigham System" in a standard font. 

In the late 90s, the Platinum pipe series was introduced as a non-filtered pipe. Platinum pipes were graded and pinned according to the same methods used for the 1-700 filtered series, but a silver coloured pin was used to set them apart. The first batch of these pipes was only made in the 100 and 200 series and featured a convertible system, capable of being used as a 9mm filtered pipe, or unfiltered pipe by means of a removable floc in the tenon.

In 2001, the convertible system in the Platinum series was eliminated and it was made into a unfiltered pipe. The 300 series was introduced at this time. In the same production year, the aluminum tenon also disappeared, being replaced with a composite material which was found to be more durable, lightweight and suited to smoking without a filter (when desired).

The 500-700 series was overhauled in 2002, and the first round of changes brought the first appearance of silver cuffs to the pipes, and in place of the pinning, a maple leaf surrounding the letter B was engraved on each pipe band. This series is easily distinguished from other pipes, and the pipe grade is indicated by the 3 number stamp in the pipe bowl or shank as per Brigham pipes since the earliest days. When the grain of a pipe is found to be of suitable quality, our blond stain is used to offer a very unique, stunning piece. 

Limited edition pipes have been made since 2000 - see our Limited Edition page for details on these pipes.

An entire book could be written on the subject of Brigham nomenclature, so if you're unsure or have more questions, contact us and we'd be happy to elucidate.

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Q ~ If you've been around for so long, why haven't we seen you in the USA.

The answer to this is simple - we've always done well enough here in Canada that we've never taken a serious run at the international market. For much of our existence, we've had upwards of 80% of the Canadian pipe market share, keeping us quite busy at home.

After many requests from consumers in the USA, we finally decided to begin sharing our pipes with the world, exhibiting at the RTDA for the first time in 2001. We doubled our booth the following year, and look forward to another great show in 2003.  We're still growing and learning about new markets along the way, but we're delighted at the response to our pipes and look forward to sharing the "Great Canadian Pipe Secret"!

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Q ~ Why are your pipes so inexpensive?

After 100 years, you learn a thing or two about making and selling pipes. one thing we've learned is the balance between producing a high quality product and keeping prices accessible. A key part of our sucess here in Canada has been that we've never striven for the big margins many pipe companies try to achieve. It seems simple - keep prices down, quality high and you'll earn a customer's trust forever.

After purchasing a Brigham pipe, you're certain to notice that the quality of Briar is often equal or greater than that of pipes 3-4 times the price. It's our gift to the consumer...we know the joy in owning a quality pipe, and the delight in being able to afford it.

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