Butz Choquin Pipes and the History of Saint Claude
In 1858, the foundation was laid for what is now the company Butz Choquin, located in the French Jura region. As the world’s oldest still-active pipe manufacturer, BC is based in Saint Claude, the historic center of briar pipes. The company’s history is closely intertwined with the development of this type of pipe and the region, which is considered the birthplace of the briar pipe.
One legend tells of a French pipe maker who traveled to Corsica to visit Napoleon’s birthplace. During his journey, his delicate meerschaum pipe broke, prompting a local craftsman to carve him a new pipe from a native briar root. The excellent smoking characteristics of this pipe so impressed him that he brought the idea back to France. Thus, the root of the Erica Arborea, or briarwood, found its way to Saint Claude.
The World of Butz Choquin Pipes
Briar quickly became synonymous with pipes. The pipe-making industry experienced rapid growth, and soon nearly the entire population of the region was engaged in this craft. By 1911, nearly 28 million pipes were produced annually in Saint Claude, and by the 1920s, the figure rose to an impressive 43 million.
Even today, thousands of pipes are still produced annually in Saint Claude, including products from well-known brands such as Chacom. Butz Choquin’s first pipe was a long reading pipe with silver accents and a shank made of albatross bone. The range quickly expanded to include classic shapes such as Billiard, Apple, Bulldog, Bent, or Canadian. From the beginning, pipes were crafted not only for their own brand but also for other renowned names.
Brands such as EWA, Chap, or Dr. Boston also originate from Butz Choquin’s production.
Tradition and Innovation: Butz Choquin
Today, Butz Choquin impresses with an almost limitless variety of models. Alongside classic designs, the range includes modern styles with colorful finishes, vibrant acrylic mouthpieces, and elaborately rusticated surfaces.
Despite the use of modern machinery, pipe-making in Saint Claude remains a handcrafted art form that relies on skilled hands. Interestingly, much of the work is still carried out by women today. The workshops of Butz Choquin are located on a picturesque side street in the charming town of Saint Claude.
Butz Choquin: A Classic for Everyday Use
Under the leadership of Denis Blanc, an enthusiastic owner with an unmistakable laugh, the brand’s tradition continues. For pipe smokers, this means genuine craftsmanship at an affordable price. Butz Choquin offers a wide variety of colorful, creative, and classic models that deliver unmatched value for money.
We recommend BC pipes as reliable companions for everyday use, offering excellent smoking characteristics and making a fine addition to any collection.
