PPN Pipe of the Year 2023

Whew! I know it’s seemed like a long wait this year, but it’s almost over. The PPN 2023 Pipe of the Year should be ready to ship out in about a month. I just got a photo that says it all from Craig Hairrell, CPG, who’s been in Dublin and at the factory earning his Pilgrim Merit Badge: Craig tells me these pipes have received their first stain but are waiting their final treatment and assembly. If you already signed up on the Google form in June for a pipe, you’re all set. If you signed up in June but don’t want a pipe any longer OR want to reduce your original order from 2 pipes to 1, you would really help others who do want a pipe by clicking on this form: CHANGE MY ORDER  FORM. If you’re not already on the waiting list form and want a pipe, sign up here: PUT ME ON THE WAITING LIST FORM. I’ve shown the photo of the XL5BC to a couple of folks who’ve already said “not interested,” so getting in the queue now is a good idea.  Last year there were several who elected not to buy a pipe when they dropped, so don't give up if you're late to the party. Now, about that pipe:—   ESSENTIAL RELEASE FACTS Appeal Factor in a Nutshell First use of the “BC” or short-tapered wear-gap stem on a System in about 100 years (seriously) First time the “XL5BC” stamp has been used First time the Deluxe Sandblast System has appeared with this stain and finish 130 serially numbered and stamped pipes The Sherlock Holmes Connection Price From Josh at Peterson: “On the US side, the MSRP will be $220. Regular discounts at Smokingpipes apply, so the actual price will be $176. On the EU side, the price is €190 (Irish VAT inclusive or varying a bit based on the customer's local VAT rate). As you'll see, this is the same price as a DeLuxe System Sandblasted.” Check Out As we did last year, those who are signed up for a pipe will receive a log-in code from PPN for SPC, SPE, SPC 9mm or SPE 9mm when the order is ready for purchase. Like last year, there will only be one generic photo. That’s just the only way to make a small project like this work and keep our price down. If you follow the weekly email updates from SPC and SPE, you know the sandblasting at K&P just keeps getting better, so I don’t think anyone should be disappointed. If they are, my advice is to hold on to the pipe for a year and double your money (that happened in eBay just recently). Average Measurements and Other Details Length: 5.50 in./140 mm. Weight: 2.05 oz./59 gr. Bowl Height: 2.25 in./57.15 mm. Chamber Depth: 1.69 in./42.93 mm. Chamber Diameter: 0.83 in./21.08 mm. Outside Diameter: 1.57 in./39.88 mm. Stem: P-Lip Tapered BC Vulcanite Filter: Optional (as ordered) Shape: Calabash XL5BC Finish: Standard Sandblast,…