England, 1960s The stamping “Made by hand in London City” was absolutely typical for the Charatan’s second Lane era (1965 – middle of 1970s) pipes. This unsmoked sample was perhaps predetermined to become at least an upper middle grade pipe, but a couple of scratches (or surface neat cracks?) changed its destiny quite dramatically and…
England, 1960s A really unusual for the Lane era (made in 1960s) upper middle grade Charatan’s Distinction pipe. It’s rather a medium sized classical straight pipe than a large sophisticated artisans free hand. We should also admit its very nice almost straight grain and quite a light weight of this wonderful creature.
England, 1970s Among dozens, dozens and dozens of GBD brands and subbrands (seconds) GBD Penthouse pipes are really remarkable not only because of the series name, but also because of the specific stylish chair-leg stem shape. A very interesting example of the GBD carvers creative fantasy! The pipe is the most probably a creature of…
England, 1978 Initially Dunhill didn’t pay any special attention to a grain of briar. Perhaps, the public opinion had not been ready yet to a “straight grain” and material of early Bruyere pipes didn’t differ by a remarkable grain. But in 1931 Root Briar series was started. The pipes were made of Corsican briar, wonderful…
England, 1950s “Be it known that I, Abraham A. Sasieni, a citizen of Great Britain, …, have invented a new, original, and ornamental Design for a Pipe Stem…” Gentleman whos patent application we quote above was more known as Alfred Sasieni (second A stands for Alfred). And this invention of a new owner of the…
Ireland The Irish classics and the subject of a cult worship! This is the “Peterson’s system” invented at the end of the 19th century and which made the company world-wide famous. The pipe is from the early new, “republic” era, made most probably in 1950-60s.
Denmark, 1960s A creature of young Preben Holm carved in the late 1960s, when his pipes were stamped with with the “Preben Holm” name and such grade numbers in a cirlce. At that time the artisan was not elder than 24 years and the era of fantastic success of his Danish Ben Wade pipes had…
USA Ed Burak began as a meerschaum pipe repairman and carver, but soon after that in 1968 he bought the Connossieur pipe shop in New York and dedicated all his time and effort to pipes design. A range of the great pipe carvers were working for Ed over this time, some sources mention Tony Pesante…
Denmark Danish carver Preben Holm was perhaps the most bright and inspiring person in history of pipe making. He sold his first pipes before his 16 birthday. Preben Holm was one of most significant inventors and developers of “Danish pipe design” and many smokers and enthusiasts respect him as a father of freehand pipes.
Italy Autograph pipes make only 2% of the Savinelli production, but since 1980s they are the subject of a special pride of the company. The pipes are made essentially by hand; briar is sourced absolutely separately from the materials for a mass market. Every bowl is firstly shaped and only then drilled by experienced carvers….