English Estates: BBB Minerva Smooth Bent Billiard (307S) Tobacco Pipe

With a storied history dating back to 1847, the idea behind BBB originated when Adolph Frankau took 14-year-old Louis Blumfeld under his wing to import meerschaum pipes and other tobacco-related products. When Frankau passed away not even ten years later, it was young Blumfeld who carried the business forward.

Soon after taking over the brand in 1856, Blumfeld began developing international business relationships, particularly with countries within the British Empire. He also found success in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and even the U.S.A. By 1914, Adolph Frankau & Co. was the exclusive cherry wood supplier for the Ropp factory in Saint-Claude, France.

BBB originally referenced “Blumfeld’s Best Briars,” but eventually the initials became known as “Britain’s Best Briars,” as they’re recognized today. The marque originally produced two grades: BBB Own Make, later known as BBB Best Make, and the other was only stamped “BBB.” The first pipe company to have a registered trademark, BBB is also one of the world’s oldest and most historic brands.

Producing pipes that honor the classic English style, BBB’s pipes lean more on tradition over flamboyance. Today, many collectors seek vintage BBB pipes for their impressive silverwork and signature curvaceous designs, often seen in more compact, muscular forms with deeply bent stems.