Here we go, starting with some screenshots of the sequence in the train car just before they get to Tucumcari:
This likely puts the idea of “more than one pipe” to rest as the stem clearly has the same dark flaw seen on the pictures posted above. And the bowl has the same beveled lip too, not sanded flat. My bad!
A good view of the patterning on the bowl which is polished smooth to the point of reflection. Anyone know what that’s called? Almost looks like a linoleum pattern and I love that toasted edge around the rim. I want that pipe!!
A good view of the stem’s shape from the other side. Very subtle bit on the mouth end just visible.
Sheriff’s office after bagging the first guy.
Couldn’t pass this one up – Look at the shadow on the door. This almost seals it for me that Leone’s choice of having Mortimer smoke that pipe out of all pipes was intentional. The shot was planned and executed with precision like every other shot in the film and with every detail taken into consideration before they went on set. This also demonstrates that if the pipe had been a standard dark colored briar it would have disappeared against that suit, so the choice may have come down to what would photograph well with the costume. And still have a sort of aristocratic blue blood air to it fitting of Mortimer’s stature. No corn cobs for this guy, while the bent shape conjures up the aura of Sherlock Holmes, suggesting culturing & intellect. The pipe isn’t just a prop it is a component of his character.
Wanted poster scene with the dark spot on the stem clearly visible, nicely toasted rounded lip on the bowl. It looks very well used rather than something they walked out of a pipe shop with 2 weeks before the shoot. Perhaps Van Cleef had the meerschaum and Leone requested he bring it along for the role? Where is Sir Christopher Frayling when I need him.
Errp! now how did that get in here …
Bank in Tucumcari scene with a superb image of the pipe’s shape dead on from the side. I’m of the opinion it’s a billiard, anyone else?
A view of the underside of the neck/stem … “He likes the finer things in life.”
There we go! can maybe bag all the other images except the one from the profile. Anybody know what that kind of surface working is called?
Bank of El Paso scene and another view of the profile. I think maybe we have enough.
OK, made that one just because it looks cool; Pipe, drink, gun, black hat, suit. Come to think of it wouldn’t one want to disarm unknown customers before inviting them back into the vault area of a bank?
Trying to enjoy a nice pipe in the saloon.
Decent view of the patterning on the side of the bowl. You can also see the dark spot on the neck from the other pix.
Interesting angle showing the back of the pipe and one pissed off looking Klaus.
My favorite shot from the whole movie. Have always wanted to see if you could really light up like that.
One more from the saloon with the pipe’s stem shape nicely shown.
Watching Indio’s gang count out the guard’s paces, showing that amazing coloring on the bowl and the dark spot on the stem. What could have accounted for a spot like that? Could it be evidence that the stem is actually a natural material with flaws? Two more from the window:
And a couple from the summit meeting where Manco & Mortimer join forces and then that’s it for me for tonight:
Almost looks carved with a relief pattern in that one.
Damn! Cropped down:
And there’s that dark spot again – interesting how the stem looks more of a dull natural color in that shot.
I also found this Lee Van Cleef public service spot on how to properly light your pipe, something I’m still trying to master (2 minutes): - YouTube
If anyone has any other screenshots or images of Mr. Van Cleef holding/smoking one of his pipes from any film or publicity still post em up!! Would like to try to at least document the shapes & styles he’s using in as many movies as possible.