Charatan’s Make First Lane Era (1961-5) Distinction Extra Large Smooth Cavalier Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

While Dunhill may be Britain’s most famous pipe brand, Charatan is not only older, but has the honor of being the first to have made its pipes entirely in-house. ‘Charatan’s Make’ referred to the fact that, at a time when other pipe companies were sourcing stummels and stems carved from other companies before assembling them in their factories and workshops, Charatan made every part of their pipes on the Charatan premises. So began a legacy of high-quality pipe-making under the Charatan name, one whose employees, at one time or another, included Joel Sasieni, and Ken Barnes and Barry Jones of James Upshall fame.

The “Distinction” was one of the grades awarded to straight grain pipes from Charatan’s freehand workshop. That is in part why these pipes were awarded such a lofty title. But there is another reason for choosing that word in particular: the pipe’s stain. “Distinction” grade pipes were dressed in two distinct stains which gave the underlying grain an even more prominent appearance. This particular Distinction adds a third meaning to its title, taking the form of a striking, very large, freehand cavalier shape. While it retains the basic form of a traditional cavalier, including the shape’s signature “foot,” the bowl is exceptionally plump, while the shank itself is paneled right the way up to the base of the mouthpiece. Based on the nomenclature, this pipe will have been made during the first Lane era, circa 1961-5, considered by many to be the pinnacle of Charatan’s freehand output. With a pipe like this one, it’s difficult to argue with that.

The condition is very good. Some minor inner rim darkening, slight handling marks, and slight residual oxidation on the pipe’s vulcanite mouthpiece and “foot.”

Details:

Length: 7.5″ / 190.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 1.37″ / 34.79mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 68g