Heinrich Kallenberg
Pipe Factory

The History of the Kallenberg Pipe Factory

The "Pfeifenfabrik Heinrich Kallenberg" was established in 1919 in the small Thuringian town of Tabarz. Today's owner Hans Kallenberg - the founder's grandson - took the business over in 1965.

In the East German times, the factory was lucky to keep it's independece, while many other local pipe makers were forced in the late seventies to merge with the "VEB Werkzeuge und Meßgeräte Schweina" (Nationally-Owned Enterprise "Tools and Measuring Instruments", Schweina), more commonly known by the brand name "Howal".

In past times, up to eight workers (in times of high demand even more) were busy to produce pipes as well as cigar and cigarette holders.

A few years ago, Mr Kallenberg, being in his mid seventies, retired. Today, he comes to his workshop only occasionally and therefore only very few pipes are still made.

So it seems that soon another piece of Thuringian tradition will become a thing of the past, since Mr Kallenberg is the last master wood tuner here.

Unknown to most people today, Thuringia once was one of Germany's most important and thriving pipe making regions. The earliest evidence of pipe makers in the regions around the towns of Ruhla, Schweina and Tabarz dates some 250 years back. They first started with Meerschaum pipes and adopted the manufacturing of briar pipes when this material became popular.

Today, only very little is left of the glory of these old days.

The only other remnant is the pipe factory of "Design Berlin" in the nearby town Schweina.