England, 1950-70s GBD was perhaps the most fruitful and creative English company in terms of shapes, models and sub-brands. Nevertheless the “City de Luxe” line with the effective 5-angle star can’t be confused with anything else! The pipe from the “pre-Cadogan” period, or more precisely – made before the merge with Comoy’s in 1980.
England, 1930-40s The pipe is a giant indeed! A creature of the family period Hardcastle’s carvers was made before acquisition of the company by Dunhill, very likely before 1946, and possibly – before the World War II. Despite its more than impressive dimensions the pipe looks fantasticly gracefully and stylish. A real English work of…
England, 1960s A heavy, capacious and very moderately smoked Charatan’s Make pipe of their best period (“Lane era”), i.e. 1960s – early 1970s, when the glory of Charatan’s eclipsed all competitors, including Dunhill. Generally the stamping “DC” should reffer to a patented double comfort stem. But this tapered stem fits the spirit and style of…
England, 1961-62 Even among the highest grade Dunhill pipes you may find absolutely extraordinary and unique specimens. This Root Briar, except for two year suffixes (thus it belongs either to 1961 or to 1962), catches the eye immediately with an unusual rare shape (such a graceful semblance of an acorn), incredibly light weight (only 22…
England, 1950-70s Perhaps no other manufacturer did make more for the “canadians” development and propaganda than Comoy’s. Careful selection of briar, variety of thoughtful refined shapes, skilful work deserved the highest respect among smokers worldwide. As an example – our today’s 296th shape. The pipe of the very respectable “Tradition series” was made in 1950-70,…
England, 1960s A very nice example of the top grade Dunhill series. Usually the absense of the year suffix means the pipe was made in 1960 according to some experts. Of course if it’s not a patent period pipe. However the most interesting detail of this pipe is the skillfully replased shank. The quality of…
England Among with the Canberra and Redonian the King’s Ransom series belongs to upper middle grade pipes produced by John Redman fatory in London in the middle of the XX century. The idiom “King’s Ransom” means also a very large sum of money (which should be enough to pay for the return of a kidnapped…
England, 1930-40s A very moderately smoked Hardcastle’s pipe of the very popular and collectable “Jack O’London” trade mark made yet in pre-Dunhill “family era” times. And very probably – before 1946 and possibly before the World War II. A middle size classical English biliard which can sit on the desk.
England, 1960s The 483 shape was perhaps one of the most recognized and appreciated creatures of the Lane era Charatan’s carvers (1960-1970). Some call it a calabash, some else – a bell (the overturned bowl looks really like a bell). A great example and justification that Charatan’s pipe of these times were much better sold…
England, 1960s It’s perhaps the best example how a simple and almost purely geometric shape can turn out into an unexpectedly wonderful exciting work of art. A little bit freehand, a little bit lovat and eye catching straight grain briar – the very high grade (“Selected” was next to the incomparable highest “Supreme” line) Lane…