Yes , so it look to me. About the dunhill , it seems like one of those made in or around 1975 wich were seen by then as low quality. I do not know the value in the market but i do not like any of the two.
Parker & Bailey touch up markers. For the few times i have used the product it gave exellent results. Just be sure to match the proper color. Bienvenido Charrua.
Never light a cigar in your mouth ? . In Cuba it was always light in your mouth. I have been smoking cigars for 50 years and always like that. So , i have been doing it wrong for media rueda.
I suggest you to pack with only two layers and not tight. Then go gentle with the tamper in order to avoid too much pressure on the bottom. In the last third or fourth do not tamp at all. You can check if you have unburned tobacco with the pick of a smoking tool.
No secret. That method is known since a long time. It is mentioned on Carl Ehwa book but it is known long before that. Anyway is good that you found it by yourself and that it is usefull for you. Very few things are new on this hobby.
Check for the Gladora tobacco. Is not available in the states. If you like latakia , ask for the tin of 40. They are made with the new turkish latakia and other turkish varieties.
I do not think it had so much perique. They are not exact matches. Those two blends i suggest because the "vinegar" reminds me in some aspects of the old escudo. But they are not the same. I agree with sablebrush. After Cope's , Petersen made a more or less good product for some time. Eventually...
As other members suggested , Viprati. A less expensive alternative may be Exclusive from C&D. There are many good vapers but only these two are reminiscent of the old escudo imo.
I like the mouth feel of horn stems. Vulcanite and acrylic feels less natural. My only objection with them is that many have orific opening. I have several and i smoke them with the same or more pleasure than the other materials.