CHARATAN’S MAKE Distinction 192X

October 29, 2016January 7, 2019

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.

The pipe markings are “CHARATAN’S MAKE \ LONDON. ENGLAND \ DISTINCTION”, “192X”. The length is 14.2 cm (5.59″), bowl’s height is 4.6 cm (1.81″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.3 cm (1.3″), internal diameter is 1.9 cm (0.75″). The depth is 3.9 cm (1.54″) and this pipe weights 29 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem (slightly patched, you may identify the track under a good light), no filter. The chamber (looks to be a bit out of center) has been protected with a break-in coat.

CHARATAN'S
MADE BY HAND unsmoked
October 29, 2016January 7, 2019
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…
Read More MADE BY HAND unsmoked
JAMES UPSHALL
JAMES UPSHALL Tilshead 5
December 22, 2020December 22, 2020
England, 1984-1996 We would assign the pipe to the period between 1984, when James Upshall company started to engrave stamping on pipes, and 1996, when they introduced logos on stems too. Like every James Upshall pipe this one was completely hand made by Barry Jones, former top carver at Charatan’s. Therefore it’s very easy to…
Read More JAMES UPSHALL Tilshead 5
CHARATAN'S
CHARATAN’S MAKE Special 59
April 21, 2016January 14, 2019
England, 1950s A very well preserved classical English lovat pipe made during the family, “pre-Lane” era. You may see that the shape number is located on the left side of the shank (from the smoker’s perspective) together with other stampings, what is typical for the Ruben era. So the pipe was made in 1950s, hardly…
Read More CHARATAN’S MAKE Special 59
PREBEN HOLM
PREBEN HOLM Hand Cut 2
November 26, 2015January 27, 2019
Denmark, 1960s 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….
Read More PREBEN HOLM Hand Cut 2
JEAN LACROIX
JEAN LACROIX Maitre-Pipier Diamant Major 2
August 2, 2023August 2, 2023
France “Maitre Pipier” is not a brand solely owned by a particular manufacturer; instead, it serves as a distinguished appellation utilized by renowned French artisans and manufacturers like Butz-Choquin, Chacom, Ropp, Jean Chretin, Jean Lacroix, and others. They employ this prestigious marking to showcase their most captivating and finest pipes, epitomizing their exceptional craftsmanship. The…
Read More JEAN LACROIX Maitre-Pipier Diamant Major 2
CHARATAN'S
CHARATAN’S MAKE Special 3
September 21, 2016January 7, 2019
England, 1960s A fantastic and incredibly rare Charatan’s Make pipe of their best period (“Lane era”), i.e. late 1960s – early 1970s, when the glory of Charatan’s eclipsed all competitors, including Dunhill. Magnificent full bent (also known as “Hungarian” shape or Oom Paul)!
Read More CHARATAN’S MAKE Special 3