Charatan 109 Rhodesian Restoration

[riff raff]

I couldn't resist this little (45 grams) Charatan 109 that popped up on Ebay last week. I learned a little about the grade, which took some detective work. I posted my process & pictures on the Reborn Pipes blog here:
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/charatans-make-109-rhodesian-restoration/

The stem took a bit of work, but once again the black superglue came to the rescue nicely.

I just smoked the break-in bowl of MM965, what a terrific little Charatan.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I'll start calling you Commander -- like in the Salvation Army. You certainly are saving a lot of nice pipes.

 

[riff raff]

I think I'll start calling you Commander -- like in the Salvation Army.  You certainly are saving a lot of nice pipes.

Easy, just a hack with some sandpaper here.

 

[monbla256]

Charatan's Rough and the Relief Grain pipes I feel have as nice a blasted finish as the later Shells of Dunhill. Over half of my 20+ Charatan's are blasted :twisted:  THAT'S a NICE,NICE example !! Those bent bulldogs of theirs do Flakes REALLY WELL  :twisted:

 

[riff raff]

Charatan's Rough and the Relief Grain pipes I feel have as nice a blasted finish as the later Shells of Dunhill. Over half of my 20+ Charatan's are blasted :twisted:  THAT'S a NICE,NICE example !! Those bent bulldogs of theirs do Flakes REALLY WELL  :twisted:

I should have checked with you! It took a bit of digging to uncover what an ungraded Charatan's Make was in their line. I had saved a PDF copy of the Ivy Ryan article mentioned in my blog write-up. That article is reported to have errors, but in this case I think it is sound. I found no other reference to a Charatan "Rough". I love digging into a good pipe mystery.

 

[Anonymous]

... do Flakes REALLY WELL  :twisted:

ECHO EcHo echo

 

[AJ]

That's really nice Al. Think we could make a deal? :lol: 

AJ

 

[Briar Spirit]

Ooooh, that is a doozy of a pipe you got there, great article over on Steve's site too. :cheers: 

 

[riff raff]

That's really nice Al. Think we could make a deal? :lol: 

AJ

Sorry AJ, for now, this one is sticking around. My typical practice is once I've found a shape on my road map, I hang onto it until one of either a better condition or grade becomes available. I suspect it might be a long time before another 109 comes along.

This smooth 109 sold in 2012 on Ebay. It is a "Special" grade, which I've learned is the top of the "Apprentice" grade pipes. Beyond that, you get in to the standard grades. My pipe is the lowest grade Charatan. I suspect a high grade Shape 109 is pretty dear and would be fiercely contested on Ebay.

 

[CharlG]

That is a good looking pipe, riff-raff! Good deal!

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Nice resto job, Al, as usual. :cheers: Enjoy it!

 

[Brewdude]

Al, you may describe yourself as a hack but you clearly know your way around restoring pipes!

O that I had the hack talents you do!

:rabbit: 


Cheers,

RR

 

[monbla256]

That's really nice Al. Think we could make a deal? :lol: 

AJ

'fraid one doesn't "make deals" for good Charatan's. Ya find 'em, get 'em, and hold on to 'em and just SMOKE 'em :twisted: :twisted: