Charatans Make Special 12, Reuebn Era Smooth Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe

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.

Given the nomenclature on this pipe, I would estimate that it is a rare, ‘Reuben era’ pipe, so named because it was during this time (1910-1960) that Reuben Charatan oversaw production of Charatan pipes. Pipes from this period can be particularly difficult to find, and are even more difficult to find in good condition. This one is quite lovely; a traditional English billiard with plenty of nice flame grain patterns, highlighted by a light, brown stain. Such were the qualities that afforded Charatan pipes the ‘Special’ grade during Reuben’s  stewardship.

The condition is excellent. The finish on the rim is ever so slightly faded, but the pipe is otherwise remarkably preserved.

Details:

Length: 5.5″

Bowl Width: 20.2mm

Bowl Depth: 1.6″

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g