HARDCASTLE’S Old Bruyere Giant
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 pipe making art!
The pipe markings are “HARDCASTLE’S \ BRITISH MADE \ OLD BRUYERE”, “MADE in LONDON \ ENGLAND”, “GIANT”. The length is 16.2 cm (6.38″), bowl’s height is 5.7 cm (2.24″). External diameter of the bowl is 4.0 cm (1.57″), internal diameter is 2.2 cm (0.87″). The depth is 5.1 cm (2.01″) and this pipe weights 54 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. Both the bowl and stem had a few scratches and chips which were carefully and reliably patched during the restoration – you may identify the repair track under a bright light.
