HARDCASTLE’S Briar Root

February 14, 2016January 19, 2019

England, 1946-67

A very interesting and very rare example from the first “dunhill” period, i.e. 1946-1967. While Dunhill Root Briar was the highest serial grade, in this case the finish is rather a hint on a natural structure of a briar root. Unlike the main stream of Hardcastle’s pipes processed at these times by a sandblast, this pipe was carved (rusticated) and then buffed for the most expressive finish. The similar approach was applied very successfully in due time by GBD carvers.

The pipe markings are “HARDCASTLE’S \ BRIAR ROOT”, “MADE IN LONDON \ ENGLAND”. The length is 13.6 cm (5.35″), bowl’s height is 4.5 cm (1.77″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.6 cm (1.42″), internal diameter is 1.7 cm (0.67″). The depth is 3.6 cm (1.42″) and this pipe weights 30 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. The chamber has been protected with a break-in coat.

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England, 1946-67 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 untill 1967 family management of the company retained a certain independence. This pipe was made most probably between 1946 and 1967: the stamping is still arched but…
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August 9, 2016January 10, 2019
England, 1946-67 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 untill 1967 family management of the company retained a certain independence. This pipe was made most probably between 1946 and 1967: the stamping is still arched but…
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1 Comment
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…
Read More HARDCASTLE Special de Luxe 5