Author: V. K. Pipes

  • HARDCASTLE Special de Luxe 5

    England, 1960-70s Like many other companies Hardcastle was a traditional family pipe business. In 1946 Alfred Dunhill bought the shares turning Hardcastle into a 100% Dunhill subsidiary. But until 1967 family management of the company retained a certain independence. Our today’s pipe was made for sure after 1967, when Hardcastle was completely managed and led…

  • JOHN REDMAN Extra 40

    England A very pleasant Redman’s bulldog pipe, most likely of 1970-80s years of birth. In any case the  series isn’t registered neither in earlier catalogues available to us, nor in other sources. Very probably, it was ordered by one of contractors; therefore it bears quite an unusual for John Redman model and the shape number….

  • BIG BEN Evening 310

    Netherland, 2000s Practical and comfortable pipe from the flagman of Dutch pipe making. Big Ben pipes became world famous and popular smokers thanks to the great quality / price ratio. Since 2012 the brand belongs to Elbert Gubbels & Zonen B.V. The pipe markings are “Big-Ben / EVENING”, “310 / MADE IN HOLLAND”. The length…

  • DR. GRABOW Starfire 84

    USA, 1950s An American classic from the 1950s, the era of rock’n’roll, big beautiful cars with loud radio receivers (is the series name a hint on the Oldsmobile Starfire? :-)​ ) and the blossoming of many American pipe brands. Nevertheless, this Dr. Grabow’s Starfire with its wire carved finish can’t be confused with any other…

  • GBD Digby 529

    England, 1950-70s The pipe represents one of the countless GBD lines produced till 1980, in other words: during the best times before the company was merged with Comoy’s under Cadogan’s roof. Traditional shape, affordable price, great manufacturer – recommended! The pipe markings are “DIGBY \ LONDON MADE”, “LONDON ENGLAND \ 529”. The length is 13.1…

  • GBD Prodigy Straight Grain

    England, 1960-70s A very high grade GBD pipe marked both “Prodigy” and “Straight grain” made approximately between the late 1960s and late 1970s most probably by Horry Jamieson (ex Barling carver), who was experienced in freehand design and created many amazing “Collector” and “Unique” pipes for GBD. A decent response to Danish artisans!

  • DUNHILL Dress 4114

    England, 2004 Dunhill Dress pipes are relatively young; the series was introduced in 1973 and is distinguished by dark (in the most cases black) smooth finish. Despite the dark stain is hiding natural briar grain the “Dress” pipes look luxurious indeed!

  • DUNHILL Cumberland 3103

    England, 2003 The “Cumberland” series is relatively young in comparison to other lines – it was introduced in 1979 and named in honor of Cumberland Street – the street where production and warehouse capacities of the company existed comfortably for many years. But such brindle ebonite stems (“cumberland” stems – also a Dunhill’s invention!) make…

  • DUNHILL Bruyere bamboo

    England, 1998 The idea of using bamboo came from the WWII times when supply of briar to the United kingdom faced a really dramatical shortage and the English manufacturers looked for any possibility to use different materials if not for the complete pipe making, but at least to compensate for the deficit of briar. Competent…