Dr Plumb Cortina Pipes

Dr Plumb has been making the sort of pipes tobacconists actually sell since 1925. The Cortina range continues that tradition rather nicely.

The Dr Plumb story began through GBD's French operation, when sales manager J.B. Rubinovich developed a more affordable line of pipes. The name came from his secretary, Leslie W. Plumb, who was apparently rather adept at doctoring the accounts. Hence Dr Plumb – one of the better pipe-brand origin stories, and certainly easier to remember than something dreamt up in a marketing meeting.

Early Dr Plumb pipes were associated with Saint-Claude, the French town whose pipe-making history stretches back generations. The marque became known for accessible briars built as everyday smoking pipes rather than elaborate collectors' pieces.

The Cortina fits neatly into that philosophy. These are traditional smooth briar pipes, offered in familiar shapes and fitted with black fishtail mouthpieces and Dr Plumb's metal filter system. Current UK trade listings continue to identify the Cortina specifically as a briar, metal-filter, fishtail range.

The finishes are straightforward and attractive, particularly the lighter versions where the natural grain of the briar is allowed to do most of the decorating. Depending on the individual piece, you'll find mixtures of straight grain, flame and birdseye running around the bowl and shank.

And that's really the point of the Cortina. Briar, familiar shapes and a century-old name at a sensible price.

Dr Plumb has never required a manifesto.

A pipe, some tobacco and a match usually covers it.