Recent content by rockvillepete

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  1. rockvillepete

    Ser Jacopo - "for DINO PUFFIN"???

    They are beautiful pipes! That silverwork is to die for and it's what really attracted me. I know I’ve seen that silverwork design before, or at least something very similar, on another SJ awhile back. Turns out it’s on this SJ L2 Opus Rhodesian that’s still listed on eBay. Nice piece but I...
  2. rockvillepete

    Ser Jacopo - "for DINO PUFFIN"???

    7charb, I had to do a double-take when I saw the photos of your SJ DinoPuffin. I snagged this one off the Bay the other day. The stamping reads 2001 3: The seller also listed rusticated and sandblast versions of the same SJ For DinoPuffin square-shanked Rhodesian. I was hoping to get the...
  3. rockvillepete

    Two Amber-Stemmed Gems: One Old, One New

       A natural amber stem can turn an ordinary pipe into a work of art. They are found on some of the most beautiful pipes ever made and I have a great fondness for it despite its drawbacks. Being somewhat rare and costly to produce, amber stems were used on the more upscale pipes of the...
  4. rockvillepete

    In Hommage to Fader's: The End of an Era

    metalheadycigarguy: That would be Erik, one of the Catonsville regulars who did in fact work at Fader’s for a time. Great guy! When he was a kid he used to go to Fader's with his grandfather. He’s made a number of pipe-related videos on YouTube under the name 1972 Woodsman. He actually helped...
  5. rockvillepete

    In Hommage to Fader's: The End of an Era

    Yea, we have one of those hoity-toity kind of B & M's not far from the Catonsville Fader's with a Diamond Crown cigar lounge no less. I'm amazed they don't charge admission to the place and certain they would if they could get away with it. Perhaps I'm being a bit biased and unfair but I could...
  6. rockvillepete

    In Hommage to Fader's: The End of an Era

    Thanks for your thoughts and kind words everyone. I feel as though I’ve lost a good friend, and in fact have as I don’t know if I’ll ever see some of these folks again. I hope that we can somehow get together and stay in touch. Since writing this post, I’ve had some communication with another of...
  7. rockvillepete

    In Hommage to Fader's: The End of an Era

    I guess it was inevitable. All good things come to an end if you wait long enough. But I really hoped against hope that it wouldn’t happen during my pipe smoking career but alas, my favorite B & M has closed its doors for good. Sadly I can’t say that it was a surprise or I didn’t see it coming...
  8. rockvillepete

    Sam Learned Sun Grade Hunter

    Last October saw the passing of one of America’s great pipe makers, Sam Learned, at the age of 79. I’ve always liked his horn designs and was saddened to learn of his death. So on the anniversary of his passing, I thought it fitting to share this beautiful Hunter pipe that Sam made in 2000; a...
  9. rockvillepete

    Rokstar Pipes

    I was afraid Rokstar was no more when I couldn't find their site. Always sad to see a B & M or internet pipe retailer close shop. Jay had some very nice pieces, especially one by George Boyadjief that I very much regret not picking up. If you're looking for a similar site that sells out of the...
  10. rockvillepete

    Two Beauties by Martin Paljesek

    Thanks so much for your comments everyone! The pipes finally arrived on Friday after a week-long delay at a USPS sorting facility in Chicago. :x I was growing more and more nervous with each passing day as no further tracking updates were being issued, especially since the package made it...
  11. rockvillepete

    Two Beauties by Martin Paljesek

    Last Saturday I happened upon a Canadian online pipe retailer I wasn't familiar with named True North Briar. Their inventory appears to be from up-and-coming or little-known but respected pipemakers from various countries including the U.S. and Canada, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Spain and Korea. Most...
  12. rockvillepete

    What's Your "White Whale" Pipe?

    There she blows!! While waiting for an appointment this morning I decided to check out the new additions at Esterval's Pipe House. I clicked on Love Geiger and what should I see but the very same white whale I've been hunting the high seas for since 2008!! I couldn't believe it! There it was...
  13. rockvillepete

    What's Your "White Whale" Pipe?

    I just came across this thread and thought I'd share mine: A Geiger paneled Dublin freehand with horn and silver Celtic dragon motif shank accents. Love made this piece in 2008 and I've been in love with it ever since!
  14. rockvillepete

    A George Boyadjiev Beauty

    Yea I know, George who? Over the last few years there’s been a surge of outstanding pipes coming out of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries by makers such as Roman Kovalev (Doctor’s Pipes), Vladimir Grechukhin, Alexander Tupitsyn, Aleksić Dragomir (Alexa), Sergei Senatorov, Kolyo...
  15. rockvillepete

    Hans Brandt “Tobacco Leaf” Pipe (1960's)

    Thanks for all of your thoughts everyone! dmcmtk: Thanks so much for your comments Dave. I read your original post on the other pipe forum a few days ago and really wanted to see the Iwan Ries photos you posted but unfortunately they were no longer available. Thanks so much for including them...