England, 1950s This pipe clearly dates from the final years of Charatan’s “family” period: the shape number still appears on the same side as the rest of the nomenclature, and the circled “L” began to appear on Charatan’s pipes shortly before the company was acquired by Herman Lane, primarily on products exported to the USA….
England, 1980s Desmond Sautter was a reputable and successful London tobacconist based in Mayfair, able to commission pipes from the most famous English manufacturers. These makers were happy to add extra markings with the initials DS on the pipes—like this Tilshead pipe by James Upshall. As Ken Barnes, co-founder of James Upshall, recalls, the company…
England, 1980-90s The 1981 merger of Comoy’s and GBD into a single company under the management of the Oppenheimer Group (Cadogan) is viewed with mixed opinions. However, it’s hard to deny that the move spurred the introduction of new technologies and the creation of fresh, interesting series and shapes. One successful example is today’s Comoy’s…
Italy Another striking example of the creative vision of Italian artisan Roberto Ascorti is found in his famous New Dear series. The hallmark here is a deliberately rough rustication of the bowl paired with a polished shank and a glossy acrylic mouthpiece. A true collector’s item! Pipe markings “Ascorti\ NEW DEAR”, “KS”, “HAND MADE \…
USA, 1950s Let’s be honest: we usually expect practical, reasonably priced products of acceptable quality from Medico. That’s why it’s especially interesting—and unexpected—to present here a luxurious Medico pipe made of block meerschaum, skillfully crafted by well-known Austrian artisans. The exact manufacturer of these sepiolite pipes is unknown, but the list of likely candidates includes…
Italy This pipe appears to be another example from Savinelli’s Hand Made line—a sort of secondary branch of the Savinelli Autograph series. At least all the usual signs are here: the marking style matches other Savinelli Hand Made pipes, the briar boasts a rich, attractive grain, the shape flows naturally, and the blend of smooth…
Italy A pipe from an intriguing Savinelli series whose name sounds distinctly English, and whose finish appears deliberately rough and simple. But it’s not all as straightforward as it seems. A few years ago, a Savinelli Sherwood Rock Briar went up for auction online — reportedly one personally smoked by Elvis Presley, which he supposedly…
Italy A practical workhorse, this pipe belongs to one of the many Savinelli lines from the late 20th century. It was characterized by a Cumberland mouthpiece, typically featuring a 6-millimeter filter, and a yellowish-brown bowl finish—offered in both smooth and rusticated styles. This series is no longer produced by Savinelli. Pipe markings “SAVINELLI \ bruna”,…
Italy, 1990-2000s Giancarlo Guidi’s (Ser Jacopo dalla Gemma) entry in the pipe makers’ competition themed “imitation of wax drops.” We have already showcased the impressive works of Roberto Ascorti and Mario Gasparini, but Giancarlo’s piece stands out as the most successful imitation—and also the largest one, according to the specifications. Most notably, check the details…
Italy, 1980-90s This pipe, judging by the coral spot on the mouthpiece, is one of the early works by Giancarlo Guidi (Ser Jacopo dalla Gemma), made between 1982 and 1997. It’s a lightweight, practical lovat pipe featuring a striking sandblast finish—an example not so easy to come by. Pipe markings “PER ASPERA \ AD ASTRA”,…