Falcon Pipes: The Beginning of a True Innovation
The history of Falcon system pipes dates back to 1936. At the time, American engineer Kenly Bugg had the idea of creating a pipe with an aluminum stem and a bowl made of briar wood. For him, aluminum was the perfect material – lightweight, sturdy, and above all, an excellent conductor of heat. The idea: smoke should cool and become drier by condensing on the aluminum surface. The resulting moisture would then be absorbed by a cotton filter.
From the U.S. Market to England – The Journey of Falcon Pipes
In the 1940s, the first Falcon pipes rolled off the production line in the U.S., originally intended mainly for the domestic market. But due to the wartime economy, aluminum became scarce – production was temporarily halted. After the war, the brand made a comeback: initially sold through U.S. Army PX stores, the pipes were already so popular by 1954 that over six million units had been sold in the States alone!
To better serve the international market, a new company was established – in 1956, all production was moved to England. From then on, things took off: in the 1960s, more manufacturing sites were opened in the UK, such as in Sheppard’s Bush, London, where up to 10,000 pipes were made each week.
British Icon: The Modular Falcon Pipe System
In the 1960s and '70s, Falcon pipes were a staple of everyday life in Britain. You just had to walk down the street, and chances were you'd see someone puffing on a Falcon. The brand became a symbol of the British pipe smoker.
The interchangeable system with separate pipe bowls not only made repairs easier – it was also cleverly priced. No surprise it fit the practical British style perfectly.
Falcon Today: Classic, Charming, Full of Character
Falcon has changed ownership several times over the years. Since 2009, production has been based in Hertfordshire, England – on a smaller scale, but with plenty of passion. While sales figures may no longer match those of the past, true fans still appreciate the charming mix of British style and American ingenuity.
