What are the new Sovereignty Bishops & Pawns?

The team over at Sovereignty Glass has been experimenting with some new designs this year, busting out some really fun new variations of their existing classic lineup. There isn’t much literature about Sovereignty available on the internet, so this will be detailed. I’ll be giving a brief overview of the company, explaining a bit about these new models (the Bishop & the Pawn), what percs are available in each, and the differences between them and a regular 50x5 or 44 piece.

This article will be focusing on four different models of Sovereignty Glass: 

1. 50x5mm (classic)
2. 44mm (classic)
3. Bishop (new-ish)
4. Pawn (newest)

What is Sovereignty Glass and what do they make?

Sovereignty Glass is a studio that creates high end, scientific, yet heady, functional glass bongs, frequently hailed as producing some of the best flower pieces. They have a wide variety of models with varying sizes, forms, and functions. 

A few examples of different models are the 50x5, Pawn, Treecycler, 44, Capcycler, Pillar, and much more. Some of the more unique models that were made popular by Sovereignty are named with words, such as the Treecycler, Pillar, Capcycler, and Hornet. The “simpler” models are named with numbers, usually based on the percs and size of tubing in the piece (i.e. 44mm, 4-8, 3-12, etc). 

Within each of those models, there’s specific percs that are available. There’s also different modifications that can be added, such as millies, reductions, extra color seals, sandblasting, etc. There’s a lot of complexity, so we’ll be writing a full breakdown of all the Sovereignty models, percs, and variations coming soon!

Before we dive into the newer Bishop and Pawn, you’ll need an understanding of what the 50x5 and the 44mm are.

What is a Sovereignty 50x5?

The 50x5 is a model from Sovereignty Glass that is the tallest, but also the least expensive flower tube in their lineup. 50mm is the width of the tubing, and they’re 5mm thick (hence 50x5). They’re big pieces: 50mm is usually the widest a mouthpiece will be on any piece, and they’re relatively tall averaging between 17-19 inches. The base is 6 inches in diameter. Any type of perc can go into a 50x5, and they can come in any color variation. However, they don’t ever have the inverse 4 splash guard found at the top of many other pieces created by Sovereignty. Instead, they come with classic ice pinches halfway up the tube. Due to the height and width of a 50x5, they pack a punch: expect big milky rips. 

What is a Sovereignty 44mm?

The 44mm (44 for short) is smaller than a 50x5 in both width and height, but is more sought after and a little more expensive. They average around 16 inches tall with a 5.25” base. As you may have guessed, the 44 comes from the width of the tubing being 44mm, but the glass is just as thick/strong as a 50x5. 44s don’t have the classic 3 plug ice pinches, opting for the inv-4 perc at the top as a splash guard. All 44’s will have an inv-4 at the top, but can have any perc combination in the bottom: single percs, fixed percs, dual percs, etc. Until the release of the Bishop and Pawn, the 44 was the “small” flower tube from Sovereignty that you could still buy on a budget. 

In the Sovereignty community, the 44 is one of the most popular models and is truly a must-have in any Sovereignty collection. Its small size and single bore tubing makes it easy to clean, and packs a punch. The 44 is a straight shooter that really lets you rage the perc without needing iron lungs. 

Now that you’re familiar with the 50x5 and 44, you’ll start to see why the Bishop and Pawn have been so popular since their release.

What is the Sovereignty Bishop?

The Bishop is a relatively new model in Sovereignty’s lineup, released widely in late 2023/early 2024. The first ever example was a Steve worked fixed 360 auctioned in September 2022, seen here. The bishop combines the best of both its predecessors: 50x5 tubing on the bottom, with 44mm tubing and an inv-4 splash guard at the top. Coming in at 17” tall, the Bishop is in the middle of the lineup as a sort of hybrid. If you enjoy the rip of a 50x5, but don’t like how tall or wide the mouthpiece is, then the Bishop is perfect for you. It feels like a 44 on your lips, but delivers a much fatter rip to your lungs with the wider tubing on bottom.  
Sovereignty did a great job filling a gap in their lineup that nobody knew existed: the Bishop is like a 44 on steroids, and the Pawn is like a mini 44. Don’t want a fat 50x5 but think a 44 is too small? Get a Bishop. Wish the 44 was a little smaller and easier to travel with? Get a Pawn.  

What is the Sovereignty Pawn?

The pawn is the newest model in Sovereignty's lineup, released in Summer 2024. The Pawn has 44mm tubing on bottom, with 38mm tubing and an inv-4 splash guard at the top. The base is 4.5” in diameter, which is smaller than existing 44 bases and is closer to the small 44 bases of the past. At only 13” tall, it's a mini shredder that’s great for taking on the go or leaving on a desk. 

Pawns are currently a bit rare, since there’s only been one Pawn per drop in the months following its release. The prototype of the pawn featured a 14mm joint, but all other examples are the standard 18mm. Using a 14mm adapter on the Pawn is popular and changes the rip enough to validate getting an adapter and slide for it. I’ve been lucky and have owned a F4 Pawn & currently own a 360-stemline Pawn, and I personally love them. I enjoy small tubes, and like smoking flower out of rigs, so I’m a fan of anything mini.

The function of the Pawn is fun and different enough from a 44 to own both. The 38mm neck is great for the shorter height, and really lets you feel the perc function. Rips are straight to the dome, but with no splash because the percs found in Pawns are only those that don’t stack. The Pawn is not made to stack, but rather to shred and chug. Throwing a 14mm adapter and a 3-hole 14mm slide on it to add restriction is popular since 18mm slides usually have a lot of airflow. Overall, it's a great daily shredder and a fun tube that’s quickly become a staple in my collection. I’ve only heard good things about it from those who’ve tried or own one!

What’s the difference between each of them?

Personal preference will always reign supreme when choosing between these four. They’re all simple single chamber tubes that deliver a fat rip right to the back of your throat. Do you prefer a tall & wide piece or something small that fits in your lap? Do you want something right now or are you willing to wait and hunt for one to be available? It all depends on your situation and personal preference: there isn’t really a “better” one when choosing between these four!

Here's a table with the sizing differences:

Where can I buy Sovereignty Glass?

As always, I recommend buying Sovereignty Glass on GlassPass because it has the most variety and options available, and all purchases are protected. You can also try to find a local smoke shop that has some in stock!

Questions or Comments?

Hit me up more on my Instagram @lifeofbako or @glasspass. 

Much love!