1) Short version:

Got a 217, and do you like it?

2) Long and protracted version:

Greetings, fellow imbibers. Trout Bum here, writing to you from smack dab in the middle of downtown Anchorage. As noted in a different post, I recently received a Nording freehand that had some problems and was hence returned to Cup O' Joe's. I am considering several other pipes... A Mastro de Paja straight panelled billiard and a Stanwell in the 217 shape. Can't decide on which one to get... Probably the Stan, seeing as how they are about to become an endangered species. With that being said, my question is this: anyone out there have a Stan in the 217 shape -- a bent dublin that is bordering on a horn shape -- very elegant and cool and Danish looking? If so, can you see the bowl whilst lighting said bowl? It appears that one would be able to see it... I do know that a lot of people don't like horn shapes because the smoker can't see the bowl/rim when applying a flame, so's I was simply wondering about the 217. And, if you do own a 217, do you like it? Do you love it madly? Dost thou awaken, deep in the mid of night, covered in a cool and broken sweat, and shout unto the heavens, "Harken, mighty Stanwell of the 217, and let us smoke a bit?"

Alrighty then, many thanks in advance, my fellow pipesters, and may the Gods smile upon thee, as we make our intrepid trod across this firma terra, this third planet, this meeting place of three variable dimensions we so endearingly call... Earth.

The 217 is a very weird shape. It's possible, I suppose, to clench it, but it's not really built for that, with the bit angled down etc.

I had one and it smoked great. But I just never liked it. They are a weird teardrop shape, with a ridge on the front. This does not show up in pictures.

Anyway I wound up trading mine to a guy who said "Wow, that's a great smoker" and then he traded it away as well because it's just a weird shape.

So no, I didn't love it. I wanted to, and couldn't.

I have two 217's. I like 'em.

They are definatly horns.. When flipped over they look just like the horns on the bull in the Bugs Bunny Cartons.

Yes you can see the rim when lighting.

I'm just starting to catch on to Stanwells with my first one on the way. I have to say that I like the shape of the #217 very much. I might give that one a try once my pipe-buying fund catches up to my recent spending.

I have been thinking about purchasing this one TB, simply because of the grain. I do like the the shape. It is a stunning Stanwell and obviously produced before the demise of the Danish factory.

That is purdy...That is the majestic finish, no? I think that reddish matte is probably my favorite smooth Stanwell finish.

I am amazed at the grain that you can find on Stanwells sometimes. I have a majestic shape 30 that I am surprised by every time I look at it, considering how nice the grain is (to my inexperienced eyes at least) and how low the price was. Wish I was at home so I could post a pic. It seems to me when shopping around that in any given Stan shape or finish, you can find a pipe or two that just seems really under-priced and under-graded when compared to some other brands.

That is nice Mark, you better jump on it.

Just another Stanwell...

Justpipes --- that one is really nice! Where did you say you found it?

Hell you could get it and sell it to TB at a nice little mark up!

LOL@Mark-Up....

Guys it is a nice looking pipe, but it is just a standard Stanwell 217. Most Stanwells had awesome graining.

AND

Everything on the market now is produced "Before the demise of the Danish factory"
To the best of my knowledge we haven't seen anything come from Italy yet.. what we end up with is kinda scaring me now. They auctioned the briar,the machines, everything.. All that CAN mean is they are allowing another house to stamp the Stanwell name on a pipe.. (I'm hoping beyond hope Savinelli didn't 'buy' the brand)