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.
England, 1980-90s 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. The shape is really very…
England The stamping, finish and the shape of this pipe look very similar to pre-Cadogan Orlik products. But of course we don’t have enough information to proove that. Therefore let’s keep calling the pipe simply “Made in England”.
France Imagine a monastery isolated from the world somewhere far away in mountains or in a wood. The time is going, but old books, old ceremonies are keeped here, a language don’t used in the world anymore sounds within these walls… Similarly Genod brand is in fact a separate and very old branch of the…
England, 1960s An unique and fellow-less 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. The pipe of such the shape and grain could become “Supreme” or at least “Selected” grade. In this case briar block was too short…
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…
England, 1960s We offer Charatan’s pipes quite regularly. Charatan’s Belvedere, Charatan’s Perfection and Special pipes were offered for your attention. There were also some of lower Charatan’s Make models. Today we are going to expand a little the range and level of Charatan’s pipes at our site.
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!