As good as the Special grade is, the grain is usually something in the vein of a cross grain. Nothing wrong with that...often my favorite kind of grain pattern. This piece, however, is much more like a straight grain and could easily be a Distinction or even an Executive. This pipe must have been produced on a very good day in the factory when there was so much great briar being carved that this piece was reduced to a pre-straight grain level. I would say that this is to your benefit except, of course, I am going to make you pay for the privilege. The Charatan people may have been generous...I am not. The condition of this pipe is excellent, maybe it's finest quality. It has the "L" stamping, indicating a U.S. import of the brand, and the draw is wide-open and the grade on the Cleaner Test is A+. Grp. 6 size with a tall bowl.
5.45" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams.