Every time I post an old Charatan, one without the “L” stamp on the shank it irritates me. Not because the “L” is missing, but because so many think that is the only sign of the piece being from the original factory. I want pipe people to be able to recognize the inherent value of the pipe, based on quality of construction, grain, indicators of age, etc. One should not have to rely on the hardly trustworthy factor of nomenclature. For instance, the grading of a pipe versus the visible, tangible fact of grain and carving skill. Pipemakers, like all of us, are whores. And whores, i.e., all of us, do it for money. So, when a pipe maker needs money, human nature takes over, and what might, in palmier times, get a grade of just a B, will, in touch times, get a B+. In short, judge the pipe, not the nomenclature. In this case, we have an old piece that was either made for the European market, and thus did not get the U.S. touch of an “L.,” or it was made pre-Lane. Considering that it does not have a Double Comfort (DC) stem, it might well be that old. Also, the stamping of simply “Made by Hand” on one side of the shank suggests to me that it is old. The pipe’s condition is very good, with only carbon residue on the inner rim, but no wear. The stem has no teeth marks on it, although the “CP” logo has been buffed to almost oblivion so that it can barely be made out. The draw is open. The size is Grp. 6.
6.25” long, bowl 1.95” tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams.