USA, 1930s
A creature of the very interesting and underestimated American pipe maker. David P. Ehrlich company was founded in 1868 in Boston and produced and reselled meerschaum and briar (Algerian briar) pipes for almost one and half century. The company continued retail business until 2000’s. But it seems, that the majority of the most attractive pipes were made before the World War II (as our today’s pipe). Many of such bowls, turned on the beginning of the XX century, were finished by George Bushee, Ehrlich Pipemaker/Pipe Repairman, who retired from Ehrlich’s in 1986 and continued making handmade briar pipes for Ehrlich’s at his home for a few more years. Nice, historical and collectable American bulldog!
The pipe markings are “EHRLICH”, “IMPORTED BRIAR”, “SPECIAL \ GRAIN”. The length is 14.7 cm (5.79″), bowl’s height is 4.9 cm (1.93″). External diameter of the bowl is 4.0 cm (1.57″), internal diameter is 1.9 cm (0.75″). The depth is 3.8 cm (1.5″) and this pipe weights 41 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter.
Richard Bushee
I read your article regarding the David P. Ehrlich Co. and definitely feel the need to make comment on your history of the company. It is true the Ehrlich’s began in 1868; however, the company continued in retail business into the 2000’s. I know this as fact as I was the Assistant General Manager/Buyer until I left in 1984 to pursue a graduate degree. In 1980 I represented Ehrlich’s at the Dunhill Principal Pipe Dealers Conference in London.
My father, Ehrlich Pipemaker/Pipe Repairman, George Bushee retired from Ehrlich’s in 1986 and continued making handmade briar pipes for Ehrlich’s at his home for a few more years.
Thank you for your article which I just came upon today.
Sincerely
Richard Bushee