Catalogus Blanc-Garin 1838, Givet (Fa)

This catalogue is probably one of the oldest surviving clay pipe catalogues, dating from 1838. In “Examples of pipes from the factory of Vve Blanc Garin,” from the northern French town of Givet, one finds not only illustrations of 199 different models, but also a price list and a short promotional text about the factory. It mentions, among other things, a workforce of 120 employees producing 15,000 to 20,000 pipes per year. Notably, explicit reference is made to the use of Dutch and Belgian clay. The Blanc Garin range is highly varied and includes a number of exceptionally fine models.