England, 1946-67 This poker shape Hardcastle’s pipe from the transition period (1946-1967) is an impressive offspring of a very interesting and fruitful time. During this era, the company was already a 100% subsidiary of Dunhill, but family management still retained a certain level of independence. Pipe markings “HARDCASTLE’S \ LONDON MADE \ Marquis”, “281”Length 14.1…
England This pipe hails from a highly respected and conservative English family manufacturer, Blakemar. The brand is named after the village of Blakesley and Thomas Martin, who established the company in 1890. Over time, management passed down to Thomas’ son, Richard Martin, and then to Richard’s nephew, Michael Billington. Despite these changes and relocating production…
Italy An exciting discovery for Savinelli collectors: the crowned serpent logo was only stamped on Savinelli Rock Grain and some of the Savinelli Hand Made (Autograph) freehands. Although this pipe has no shape number, the rich and distinctive rustication is reminiscent of some pre-1970 Savinelli products. While the logo has faded slightly, it is still…
England A compact, lightweight, and affordable pipe hailing from the famous Dunhill’s subsidiary, Parker. The company was initially established by Alfred Dunhill to market Dunhill seconds and also served as an internal creative lab during certain periods. Dunhills and Parkers were made in the same premises using the same equipment at least until the last…
England, 1950-70s The pipe belongs to one of the most popular and respected pre-Cadogan Comoy’s grades. This attractive billiard was made during the 1950-70s period (see the nomenclature and the 3-part (inlaid) “C” on the stem). An intersting (and rare!) detail: the pipe was made and marked for a tobacconist in the capital of Netherlands….
England, 1950-70s “Made of the finest briar root obtainable, this natural finish pipe develops a magnificent character and its tan deepens in service”. So the London Pride pipes were described in the old Comoy’s catalogues where this grade was next to the highest – legendary and blazing Blue Riband. London pride pipes are undoubtedly a…
England, 1950-70s An amazing Comoy’s product made during the last pre-Cadogan period (1950-70’s). Among others Comoy’s brands and subbrands Guildhalls are always an object of a special interest and attraction of collectors from many countries – who knows, because of the glory and authority of the manufacturer or because of a mysterious aura of the…
Italy A weighty capacious rusticated pipe from the Mastro de Paja Elite series (1B + one sun stampings), made entirely by hand (FATTA A MANO) with the luxury sterling silver collar. Pipe markings “Mastro de Paja \ FATTA A MANO”, “(1B)”Length 13.2 cm (5.2″)Bowl Height 5.7 cm (2.24″)Outside Diameter 4.4 cm (1.73″)Chamber Diameter 2.2 cm…
Denmark, 1970s Champ of Denmark was a brand of the currently closed Larsen & Stigart tobacconist in Copenhagen, Denmark (along with “Larsen & Stigart”, “Shelburne”). As many advanced tobacco shops at that time had also an indoor production and employed such famous carvers as Søren Eric Andersen and Karl Erik Ottendahl who was the author…
Denmark, 1970s Jobey is the brand with perhaps the most tangled history. Since establishing in the 1920s the company has changed a whole row of owners, distributors and manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic. Frequently experts can’t reach an agreement regarding a specific Jobey pipe, its origin and dating. But the Jobey Dansk series…