England
Another one old good pipe from the 1950s. Some sources say that “Straight grain” was a kind of Comoy’s second (like other makers marked their pipes “Reject”) but we didn’t find a confirmation.
The pipe is 15.0 cm long, 5.0 cm tall and weights 27 gr. The bowl’s external diameter is 3.2 cm, inner – 2.0 cm, inner depth – 4.0 cm. Vulcanite stem, no filter.
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….
USA, 1930s This pipe from a pre WWII collection did require a bit more restoration efforts than usual, but the outcome is definitely worth attention. Amazing straight grain, well balanced extended lovat shape, nice briar. The stamping prompts it could be an Ehrlich product – creature of the David P. Ehrlich company which was known…
England, 1960-70s Fribourg & Treyer was perhaps the most reputable English tobacconist. “While most collectors are familiar with the “Royal Appointment” accorded certain well-established businesses in England (most commonly seen on Dunhill packaging) FRIBOURG & TREYER’s not only held an identical appointment by the King of England, but they also had a similar “Royal Appointment”…
England One of the mysterious pipes with the palm (hand) logo on the stem (it still visible on this pipe, but it’s a bit faded already). Our investigation brought us to the McGahey tobacconist in Exeter, UK. Some of such “palm” pipes were created or repaired by their carver and stamped with this logo. Unfortunately…
England, 1910s This very old English pipe was obtained with a really interesting 1912-13 pipe collection. As you can see pipe makers at these times didn’t pay too much attention to grain and pipes were rather compact – probably because smokers preferred heavy natural tobacco contrary to our modern aromatics. Since there’s no silver collar…
Italy Another striking and unique addition to our archive of Savinelli Autograph pipes — each one entirely handmade from the finest briar, rightfully standing as a point of pride for Italian artisans and a source of admiration (and envy) among collectors. Pipe markings “SAVINELLI \ AUTOGRAPH”, “5 \ ITALY”Length 16.6 cm (6.54″)Bowl Height 6.6 cm…
Hi,
I have a smooth, plum- stained pipe stamped just like the one above, and have been scratching my head over it. The only stamping I can find is “STRAIGHT GRAIN” over “LONDON MADE” on the left side, and the number “20” has been stamped on the right side. It is a small pot in shape. The script looks exactly like that used in the stamping of my Blue Riband and London Pride, but I see no trace of “Comoy’s” on the pipe. I can see no fills, and the grain is vertically straight and very tight. I see no maker identification on the stem, which may be a replacement, but is very well made and fits perfectly. Any idea who may have made it? I have had no luck in trying to trace the shape number.
Thanks,
Jeff Stierman
Hi Jeff,
The reasons why a particular pipe wasn’t stamped with its manufacturer name may be vary and at times not clear for us in the 2021. Such pipes are not always “seconds”, some of them could be made tobacco shops, some others were not finished due to closing / moving of production facilities.
“Straight grain” is not a registered brand name, therefore any maker could stamp this name on pipes. However you right, Comoy’s stamping is quite unique and I would say preliminary your pipe is one of Comoy’s too. But the small pot with the shape number 20 is not in Comoy’s shape charts (of course if it wasn’t made at the commission of another company).
I would recommend also to ask the question at the pipesmagazine.com forum, maybe someone of experts can identify your pipe or recall who was producing such the shape Nr. 20.
The very best regards, stay safe!