Bruyere Garantie bulldog
1920-30s?
In the pre WWII period the nomenclature “Bruyere Garantie” (Real Briar, Echt Bruyere) was much more than just a stamping for identification of pipes made of briar (not of any other, cheaper wood). At the same time this nomenclature didn’t become a brand status because many manufacturers used it without any concerns regarding patents, rights etc. For many large factories it was at times the simplest way to mark a pipe with “something” and send it to a tobacconist. But only such “Bruyere Garantie” pipes met an extremely high demand in pipes in the first half of the XX century. (“Remember, those were the days when good restaurants offered a free pipe to the gentleman to end a fine meal with a fine smoke!” (c) Pipedia)
The country of manufacturing can’t be identified unambiguous as well. In Italy these pipes were produced at the Rossi factory (the world biggest at that time!). In France – by Vuillard & Strauss Ltd. And this list can easily be extended with many and many names. Thus each “Bruyere Garantie” pipe isn’t a specific product of a specific manufacturer, but rather a warm and friendly witness of those far days.
The pipe markings are “Bruyere \ GARANTIE”. The length is 12.5 cm (4.92″), bowl’s height is 4.1 cm (1.61″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.7 cm (1.46″), internal diameter is 1.7 cm (0.67″). The depth is 2.9 cm (1.14″) and this pipe weights 31 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. The shank has a small neat crack which was carefully glued and clamped by a collar for the maximal reliability.
