England, 1960-70s
G.W. Sims (just the modest G.W., though some consider that he was George) is known from the first half of the XX century, and the first pipes of the artisan (and at times a repairman) were marked even more modestly – “GWS”. According to some sources, G. W. used to work for Charatan’s (that is clearly visible on some Sims pipes) and for Barling (that is also not excluded). But finally he found himself as an independent tobacconist and an owner of a little shop in Northern London which existed till 1980. “G.W. Sims was one of the few English pipe makers who produced Danish style freehands carved from specially selected plateaux briar. Mr. Sims willingly made pipes to personal specifications”. (Pipedia). Some customers made a long way from other English cities to purchase wonderful G.W. Sims pipes for a collection.
This hand made G.W. Sims pipe comes approximately from 1960s and confirms once again G. W. Sims fame as “the most Danish carver” in England – the stylish shape is something mixed from zulu, prince and yacht.
The pipe markings are “G.W. Sims \ LONDON MADE”. The length is 15.2 cm (5.98″), bowl’s height is 4.4 cm (1.73″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.9 cm (1.54″), internal diameter is 2.0 cm (0.79″). The depth is 3.3 cm (1.3″) and this pipe weights 37 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. The chamber has been protected with a break-in coat.
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