Design Berlin Rugen Orange 9mm Straight Billiard 85040C
- Overall Length: 142mm
- Overall Height: 43mm
- Bowl Height: 43mm
- Bowl Diameter: 33mm
- Bore: 19mm
- Weight: 34g
- Filter: 9mm
Design Berlin Rügen Orange 9mm Straight Billiard 85040C I've handled more Straight Billiards than I could possibly count over the years, and I still reckon it's one of the finest shapes ever devised for a tobacco pipe. There's something very satisfying about the simple arrangement of an upright bowl, straight shank and long, tapered mouthpiece.
The Design Berlin Rügen Orange 85040C follows that traditional pattern, although the Germans have given this particular example a rather handsome splash of colour. The briar is finished in a deep reddish-orange stain, somewhere between polished cherrywood and a rich mahogany red. Darker grain runs through the bowl and shank, with some particularly attractive figuring around the lower bowl. It's a lovely piece of wood, and the polished finish brings its character to the surface.
The shape is a classic Straight Billiard, with a tall, nearly cylindrical bowl, a gently rounded heel and a straight shank. There's a pleasing balance to its proportions, and the long black mouthpiece gives the whole thing a smart, traditional appearance. A narrow silver-coloured ring separates the briar from the mouthpiece, while the little gold DB emblem adds a finishing touch.
Design Berlin originally established itself in the German capital, although its pipes are now manufactured in Schweina, Thuringia. The Rügen collection takes its name from Germany's largest island, situated in the Baltic Sea.
This model accepts 9mm filters, a familiar feature among German pipe makers. I particularly like how the dark grain contrasts with the rich red finish. It's colourful enough to catch your attention, yet the familiar Billiard shape keeps everything firmly rooted in traditional pipe making.
There's a reason this shape has remained popular for generations. It's a fine example of how good proportions and attractive briar can make a handsome pipe.
