This English-made Ben Wade Hand Model pipe is a unique and surprisingly effective piece. Its simple shape beautifully accents the fantastic birdseye grain on the left side of the bowl. The nomenclature corresponds to the Lane era times, but the stamping “ROMA” on the pipe is a bit unusual. Your thought regarding this would be…
England, 1957-67 An amazing barrel-shaped Parker pipe produced between 1957 and 1967, prior to the company’s merger with Hardcastle Pipe Ltd. This was a period when Parker successfully combined Dunhill’s resources and production facilities with its own unique approach to carving, shaping, finishing, and marketing. As a result, both experienced pipe collectors and refined smokers…
England, 1957-67 An elegant lightweight Parker pensil shank pipe produced between 1957 and 1967, prior to the company’s merger with Hardcastle Pipe Ltd. This was a period when Parker successfully combined Dunhill’s resources and production facilities with its own unique approach to carving, shaping, finishing, and marketing. As a result, both experienced pipe collectors and…
England, 1930s The stamping “BRITISH MADE” clearly indicates that this pipe was produced during the Hardcastle family’s ownership of the company, prior to Alfred Dunhill’s complete acquisition in 1948. Given that Hardcastle’s factory was unable to obtain briar during WWII, it is most likely that the pipe dates back to the 1930s. The tenon is…
England, 1946-67 This poker shape Hardcastle’s pipe from the transition period (1946-1967) is an impressive offspring of a very interesting and fruitful time. During this era, the company was already a 100% subsidiary of Dunhill, but family management still retained a certain level of independence. Pipe markings “HARDCASTLE’S \ LONDON MADE \ Marquis”, “281”Length 14.1…
England This pipe hails from a highly respected and conservative English family manufacturer, Blakemar. The brand is named after the village of Blakesley and Thomas Martin, who established the company in 1890. Over time, management passed down to Thomas’ son, Richard Martin, and then to Richard’s nephew, Michael Billington. Despite these changes and relocating production…
Italy An exciting discovery for Savinelli collectors: the crowned serpent logo was only stamped on Savinelli Rock Grain and some of the Savinelli Hand Made (Autograph) freehands. Although this pipe has no shape number, the rich and distinctive rustication is reminiscent of some pre-1970 Savinelli products. While the logo has faded slightly, it is still…
England A compact, lightweight, and affordable pipe hailing from the famous Dunhill’s subsidiary, Parker. The company was initially established by Alfred Dunhill to market Dunhill seconds and also served as an internal creative lab during certain periods. Dunhills and Parkers were made in the same premises using the same equipment at least until the last…
England, 1950-70s The pipe belongs to one of the most popular and respected pre-Cadogan Comoy’s grades. This attractive billiard was made during the 1950-70s period (see the nomenclature and the 3-part (inlaid) “C” on the stem). An intersting (and rare!) detail: the pipe was made and marked for a tobacconist in the capital of Netherlands….
England, 1950-70s “Made of the finest briar root obtainable, this natural finish pipe develops a magnificent character and its tan deepens in service”. So the London Pride pipes were described in the old Comoy’s catalogues where this grade was next to the highest – legendary and blazing Blue Riband. London pride pipes are undoubtedly a…