Rattray’s Collector by Cornelius Manz 229 Smooth Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, German Estates

Description

The House of Rattray was originally a tobacconist, opening in Perth, Scotland, in 1903, under the oversight of Charles Rattray. House of Rattray soon became a blending house (whose blends are still sold to this day under the Rattray’s name) and a purveyor of Rattray-brand pipes, made for the tobacconist by established English pipe makers. Over the years, the name changed hands, with contemporary Rattray’s pipes and tobaccos being produced under the umbrella of German’s Kopp company (formerly Kolhase & Kopp). Today, Rattray’s pipes are manufactured by various major European makers, such as Chacom and Butz-Choquin in France and Brebbia and L’Anatra in Italy.

Since at least the early post-war years, pipe companies have partnered with some of the world’s leading artisans to create pipes in their own, distinct styles. Stanwell first made a name for itself largely in part through its collaborations with Sixten Ivarsson; the Stokkebye family has had pipes made for them by Jorgen Larsen, Erik Nording, and many others; Brebbia had some of its pipes designed by Tsuge Ikebana, Rainer Barbi, and so on. Rattray’s has, on occasion, done much the same. In 2009, they enlisted German master Cornelius Mänz to design a limited edition pipe for them, which went by the name of the “Collector.” It was, as can be seen here, a tall, stout, German brandy, with a sterling silver collar, and was furthermore available in three finishes, with the light smooth option, also seen here, commanding the highest premium.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening. The pipe is chambered to allow for the use of 9mm filters.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.76″ / 44.70mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g