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These pipes come from many sources - an estate, a smoker who has had to give up, a pipe that just didn't suit the smoker. They have one thing in common, they are pipes from the leading brands - Dunhill, Charatan, Savinelli, Stanwell, Comoy, Larsen, quality Freeforms, GBD, etc; they have original mouthpieces and haven't been battered. When new, many of these refurbished pipes would have been in the Prestige Pipe class.
We have the pipe sterilised, cleaned and polished to restore its mature, dignified appearance - like a fine piece of antique furniture. Now that they have done service for one proud owner, they are ready to give pleasure to their next owner at a fraction of their current new price - well worth looking at!

Nearly all sold now – new selection will be ready March 2012

	Dunhill Shell Briar, Group 4, Shape OX  Bulldog 254-RfDHOXSh R1750.00    This Dunhill was manufactured in 1973 as shown by the small digit “13” after MADE IN ENGLAND, not underlined. That makes it over 40 years old! And it has never been smoked (although it has picked up a smokey smell by association). 1950 -1975 was the period when Dunhill was unable to get the softer Algerian briar, and harder briar had to be used. Hardly a disadvantage, but difficult to achieve a deep sandblasted finish. The large bowl (closer to a Group 5) has well-defined straight grain on the sides and near side, and Birdseye on the front. Weight 40g Pristine condition. (Current price R3375)
Dunhill Shell Briar, Group 4, Shape 728 254-RfDH728Sh  R1650.00    A long Lovat with a fishtail mouthpiece, manufactured around 1968 as shown by the small digit “8” after MADE IN ENGLAND. Tall bowl suitable for a fine cut tobacco. The bowl is almost entirely very close Birdseye, and the stain has worn away giving the ridges a lively burgundy glint. Yet the pipe has not been over-smoked – hardly a tooth mark. Exceptionally lightweight (23g) (Current price R3375)
	Dunhill Cumberland, Group 3, Shape 3135  Horn  254-RfDH3135Cum  R1550.00    on preview days* The Cumberland finish and mouthpiece were introduced in 1980. This pipe was manufactured in 1989 as shown by the small suffix “29” after MADE IN ENGLAND. The smooth rim shows a flame grain, so the bowl is nearly all Birdseye.  Weight 32g Exceptionally good condition – we’re still not sure whether it has ever been smoked. (Current price R3080.00)
Dunhill Root Briar, Group 1, Shape 576 254-RfDH576R  R1995.00    A saddle Billiard with a fishtail mouthpiece, very lightweight (24g) Interesting stamping – the digit “9” after MADE IN ENGLAND indicates the year of manufacture as 1969, but there is an extra “1” stamped nearby. Maybe a reference to the size? The grain is stunning:  a flame grain originating from the base of the bowl and flowing up the shank and around the bowl. Corresponding Birdseye on the top of the shank and rim of the bowl. The wood at the rim of the bowl is slightly scraped away at one point, otherwise the pipe has been very well cared-for. Very good condition.  (Current price of Group 1 Root is R4500.00)
	Dunhill Bruyere, Group 4, Shape 253 F/T (Billiard) 254-RfDH253Br  R1650.00   Dating this pipe is a little difficult – the markings are very worn. However the circled 4, and the A for Bruyere, tells us it was manufactured before 1975. The smudge after the D in Made in England is the same size as the D and is definitely a single digit smudge, so that places it between 1965 and 1970. The colour of this classic taper stem billiard has lightened to a warm, rich brown, almost an Amber colour, so you can appreciate the beautiful Birdseye grain on the side panels, and tight cross-grain front and back. It is in excellent condition except for nicks on the side and rim – possibly from being dropped. This would also be the reason for its having a replacement mouthpiece (not Dunhill). Very lightweight for a smooth Gp.4 pipe: 35g (Current price of a new Group 4 Bruyere is R4975.00)
CHARATAN The first of the London Pipemakers to turn his own bowls from imported ebauchons (as opposed to importing turned bowls), and one of the first brands to break in 1960 the $100 per pipe barrier.
	Charatan Selected Freehand Cavalier 254-RfCHSelCav R2250.00        “in 1989, I discovered that Charatan pipes were still being produced in 2 basic categories. All of the larger pipes are stamped FH (freehand) and ‘Made in London’. The new Charatan freehand line includes six smooth finishes and two with sandblasts; in descending order, they are: Supreme, Selected, Executive, Distinction, Special, Perfection, Rarity (a sandblast/smooth combination), and Relief (sandblast).” The Ultimate Pipe Book – Richard Carleton Hacker The Cavalier is a FH Selected, the second highest grade. This high quality rare shape, almost all straight grain, and in excellent condition should appeal to discerning collectors.
Charatan Special      (Replacement mouthpiece) 254-RfCHSp72X  R695.00      The curly “L” indicates that the pipe was manufactured during the “Lane” period (1960-1978). The light golden bowl shows a  large proportion of very nice, tight Birdseye, with some cross grain. Plenty of well-distributed hard wood. Not a flaw that we can see. Replacement mouthpiece. A fairly large tall thick-wooded Dublin-shaped bowl suitable for an easy-burning tobacco. The “X” after the shape 72 indicates that this pipe was fitted with a normal saddle mouthpiece instead of the “Double Comfort” mouthpiece introduced by Charatan in 1960. Hardly smoked, excellent condition.
Thanks to Ivy Ryan’s article we have learnt a lot more about Charatan pipes. The curing process was of particular interest: “Charatan did not cure their briar like any other pipe company either. Like the supreme wood workers of England's past, Charatan steamed the sap from the briar under pressure and then kiln dried the briar over an extended period of time. This gave them the least wastage of any technique. It also left their wood with completely open pores and no odd tastes from oil or sap left in the wood. The reason for this extra work on Charatan's part was not to hurry the curing of the briar but instead to rid the wood of all leftover sap and resins that otherwise would flavor the smoke.”
BARLING Originally the Barlings were silversmiths in England during the latter part of the 1700's, with their silver mountings first appearing on pipes in 1812. The company received recognition of their work at the Great Exhibition of 1851 for their display of a set of “Silver-mounted meerschaum smoking pipes.” Over the ensuing years the company gained and maintained an enviable reputation for the excellent smoking characteristics of their pipes, in addition to their unique interpretation of classic shapes, and the development of some "new" classics. One of the best known characteristics of the Barling pipe is its comfortable, flat mouthpiece. The Barling family controlled production up to the early 1960s – known as the pre-transition period. Then there was a short “transition period” before the factory was moved to the Isle of Man and the manufacture of many of the pipes was out-sourced to factories in Denmark.
	Barling Guinea Grain, Shape 5269  Pot 254-RfBarl5269GG R750.00    on preview days*   Guinea Grain is the top quality from Barling and not easily available. Our 1971 Catalogue shows “prices available on request”. This pipe is London made (stamped London, England), from the transition period – the name “Barling” is in script (no TVF) and has a 4 digit shape number giving the size as Group 5.  The golden brown colour shows off the flame grain and the large percentage of hard wood on this well-proportioned saddle pot. The pipe has no fillings, just a couple of specks. The condition is excellent, hardly smoked. There are a couple of nicks on the rim, and the white of the stamped logo on the mouthpiece has been polished off the distinctive, comfortable flat Barling mouthpiece. I have probably under-priced this pipe – for you it is a good opportunity to try one of the great English names.
BUTZ CHOQUIN Capitan    NEW 254-RfBQCpt70  R695.00      Butz Choquin  is a classic, respected name from St.Claude. The Capitan 70 is part of a Limited Edition series of long-shanked pipes. The Capitan 70 could be described as an oval shank, standing Dublin, but that doesn’t do justice to the flowing lines. Or to the beautiful flame grain across the rim which arises from the alternating panels of birdseye and crossgrain around the bowl. Or to the satin autumn-gold colour with no visible flaws. Unsmoked, excellent condition.
OPPENHEIMER (now Cadogan) A well-known historic English firm of pipemakers in the UK which incorporated the brands GBD, BBB, Loewe, Comoy, Orlik, Dr Plumb, Kaywoodie, City de Luxe and others. The factory in Southend-on-Sea occupied a complete block with four addresses. When the Export Sales Manager visited South Africa we had four meetings with him, each under the auspices of a different local representative. Real cloak and dagger stuff – but great fun. LOEWE & CO was a very old London company, founded by Emile Loewe, a French pipemaker who settled in London. Now part of Cadogan, Loewe & Co offers high grade pipes with a dedicated following. We offer two Loewe “Mounted” pipes –Silver bands, hallmarked. From before the era of filters. Both have good thick wood, yet are light for their size.  We estimate current price would be in the region of R2400
	Loewe Mounted, Shape 908 NEW Apple 254-RfLMt908 R895.00       A large classic Apple shape, the grain is a mix of birds eye and flame grain, with a rich chestnut finish. Never smoked. With a magnifying glass we found a small filling, and a few faint dents and nicks probably from lying around on a shelf for some years. The silver band is also stamped “.925” which is a European standard mark denoting the high quality (purity) of the silver used. Excellent condition.
Loewe Mounted, Shape 907 Classic Billiard 254-RfLMt907 R895.00     on preview days*  The rich chestnut colour highlights the sunburst of flame grain with a corresponding , stunning Birdseye on the opposite side of the bowl. If there are any fillings, we couldn’t find them. Hardly smoked, but the bowl has a few nicks and dents. The silver band is also stamped “.925” which is a European standard mark denoting the high quality (purity) of the silver used. Excellent condition.
	GBD Apple 254-RfGBD4480 R395.00  A “mystery” pipe. Stamped “GBD, London made”, and nothing else. But the grain is a stunning mix of straight, flame and Birdseye – showing plenty of hard wood. Lots of dents and nicks (probably from being dropped) and a replacement mouthpiece (same reason?) but not a filling that we can see. Very good condition.
Dr Plumb GT5  Dublin 254-RfDrPGT R350.00   on preview days* The brand was created in 1925 in St Claude, France. Now part of the Cadogan Group UK. It was a big-selling brand in South Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, with a large patented metal filter with the slogan “Like smoking through ice”. However this pipe was made in France, with no filter. The shape GT5 is unusual, a large, oval-shanked Dublin with saddle stem – must be part of a special series. Hardly smoked, plenty of hard wood, several fillings. Excellent condition.
*To qualify for future preview days, fill in the FREE SWEEPSTAKE ENTRY	Click the links (right) to view the rest of the collection Selection #2 Selection #3 Selection #4

Prolong the life of your favourite briar with a little more care and attention.

Professional Refurbishment.

Take a look at those old discarded pipes (discoloured, sour, damaged) - some of them may easily justify the cost of a professional repair or refurbishment. The bowl will be reamed, cleaned and sweetened with "mead", and the whole pipe polished to restore its dignified appearance - only the dents will remain as a reminder of past pleasures.
As well as replacement mouthpieces, a hole in the bowl or a cracked shank can be repaired.
You won't be able to buy a new branded pipe for the R100 to R150 the professional job may cost you. Bring in your pipe for assessment.

D I Y Refurbishment

Here is a step-by-step procedure:

There are 4 distinct cleaning processes:
1. Removing the build-up of tars and juices which collect inside the shank and mouthpiece, and in the base of the bowl.Work over a tray or dish lined with paper. Remove the mouthpiece from the pipe. Insert the nozzle of the CGA Pressurised Pipe Cleaner spray into the peg of the stem and press down for 2-3 seconds to release the spray. Repeat for the shank. Use a bristle cleaner to really scrub the inside of the shank and mouthpiece. Or you could dip the bristle in a solvent (eg Savinelli Pipe Clean, or some form of alcohol). You could pour or spray just a little solvent into the base of the inside of the bowl and work the bristle cleaner through from the slightly tilted shank.           
Try not to splash the solvent on the outside of the bowl or mouthpiece. Be careful not to start a hole in the base of the bowl through excessive twisting - and for very bent pipes go easy round the bend in the mouthpiece.
You have finished when the pipe cleaner comes through clean.
2. Keeping the carbon layer under control. When necessary, ream the carbon layer inside the bowl to an even thickness of about 1.5mm (R1 coin) - the T-shaped reamer from Savinelli, the Dunhill Carbon Cutter, or the precise, high-tech Senior reamer will do the job comfortably. Wipe the inside of the bowl with a little of the solvent.
3. Polishing the vulcanite mouthpiece to remove the bitter taste. Remove the oxidation from the mouthpiece with a mild abrasive (eg Dunhill Pipe Mouthpiece Polish, Savinelli Stem Polish or Jeweller's Rouge). This might require vigorous and lengthy rubbing (a whole TV programme). If very dull and green, a buffing wheel is a big help - remove the mouthpiece to prevent accidental breakage. With the buffing wheel, take care not to buff too hard on one spot - the vulcanite may burn. If the logo is stamped on the mouthpiece it will possibly disappear.
(A recent comment from a customer was that a buffing wheel is necessary when using "jeweller's rouge" but that he found a good hand rub sufficient when using Savinelli Stem Polish regularly.)
Watchpoint - water based cleaners or abrasives (eg Handy Andy, Vim) or alcohols (eg Meths, benzine) may add to the discolouration of the outside of the mouthpiece - extra polishing will be necessary.
4. Beauty treatment for the outside of the briar bowl. Polish the outside of the bowl with a wax polish (eg Dunhill Bowl Polish; Savinelli Bowl Polish) and a clean cloth. Again a buffing wheel can help - remember to remove the mouthpiece before starting.
(Corncobs shouldn't need a polish, but a beechwood will appreciate it once the varnish has worn off.)
5. Long term protection for the whole pipe.
The Dunhill Silicone Pipe Care Cloth: 100% waxed cotton - Rub lightly over the surface of bowl and mouthpiece after cleaning and polishing. Protects the pipe with an invisible film of silicone wax.

Complete Cleaning Kits are available from Denicotea and Dunhill

Finally, leave the pipe to stand bowl down for at least 24 hours before smoking.

NB Read about cleaning your Meerschaum - a very different process.

Prevention is better than Cure!
1. Don't oversmoke a pipe (especially your favourite) - it will become saturated and turn "sour".
Do rotate your pipes to allow each to dry out properly.
2. Do polish the mouthpiece regularly, don't let the oxidation get the upper hand.
3. Do allow the carbon layer to build in your new pipe - right to the bottom of the bowl - and then keep it reamed to about 1.5mm thickness to prevent cracking.
4. If yours is a filter pipe - do use the filter or use the adapter. Don't smoke without one of them, even once, it can lead to an ill-fitting mouthpiece through a swollen shank. This is almost impossible to rectify.
5. To prevent breakage, do hold close to the join when removing the mouthpiece from the bowl, and don't remove the mouthpiece until the pipe is cool.
6. Don't use a sharp pointed instrument to clean out the bowl - you may drill a hole in the bottom.
7. Do hold your pipe by the bowl (not the stem) when "tapping out" the ash; and don't knock it against a hard surface - you may break the shank or mouthpiece or crack the bowl. Fit a "cork knocker" to a handy ashtray.
The general principle to bear in mind is that the cleaner and drier you keep your pipe, the more enjoyable it will be to smoke - and the longer it will continue to give pleasure.

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