2 Charatans Ken Barnes Would Like

[seadog]

A couple months ago a friend of mine came into possession of 2 outstanding Charatan estate pipes, one an Executive, the other a Bell Dublin Supreme. While they're both fine examples of Charatan craftsmanship, the Supreme is a Masterpiece. I was then asked if I would do a restore/refinish on both, to which I replied.....Helk Yeah. Knowing the history and value (if such a thing can be placed on a Charatan pipe) of these pipes, I knew to take my time. In fact, I did the Supreme first, started at 10pm, worked all night and finished at 8am the next morning. These have to be 2 of the finest Charatan pipes I've ever laid my hands on, and like sharing the photo's just because. The top photo in each is the before shot.
Charatan Executive

Charatan Bell Dublin Supreme

 

[scrooge]

You are correct, The supreme truly deserves it's name. That is one outstanding an unique pipe an you did a outstanding restore. Both are nice an my hat is off to you. That's one lucky friend. Great job!

 

[seadog]

Thanks, he paid $200 for each, which I think was a bargain as both were flawless. Finish on each was worn from age and oxidation on the stems, otherwise not a mark on them.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

They both appear to be nice pipes, but the Charatan Bell Dublin Supreme looks especially nice. Although, I would call it a Charatan Shuttlecock Supreme.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I bet they both smoke as well as they look.

 

[kenbarnes]

Really great pipes. The Supreme looks very familiar to me for some reason. I am sure that this one was shaped by Joan Nicholson and I reckon it dates from the early to mid 1970s. Lovely piece. I am wondering if it has possibly had a replacement mouthpiece fitted?

 

[ssjones]

Fabulous examples.

 

[seadog]

Ken....it had the original stem as far as I could tell. As the trademark CP was stamped into the stem, but the white has worn off with age. As I had nothing white I could use to highlight the stamp, I had to leave it as it was.

 

[pagan]

Very nice :clap:

 

[seadog]

...and, as always, thanks for your comments. Always appreciated.

 

[georged]

I am wondering if it has possibly had a replacement mouthpiece fitted?

I'd say yes with a fair degree of certainty.
Here is a blow up of seadog's pic, and the molded blank that I think was used.
Checking the finished length on the pipe would settle it for certain. If it's three inches (plus or minus 1/8"), it's a rep for sure.
seadog: Stamps are not a reliable indicator of stem originality. They are readily available from outside vendors, and back in the days when every third tobacco shop had a repairman in residence, most of them had a full set.
.

 

[seadog]

George.....thanks for the additional info. But, I didn't say it wasn't a replacement stem, only that as far as I could tell. I suppose it should have had a double comfort stem. But I've also learned that anytime you think that there's a "given" about a Charatan pipe, some type of variance comes along that says.....not always. LOL.....thus...as far as I can tell.

 

[kenbarnes]

I tend to agree with George. As far as I recall Charatan did not use this style of 'flared' mouthpiece. On Supreme quality they would normally have fitted a DC saddle (post 1962-3)or a taper bit.

This is by no way a judgement, merely an observation and the pipe is such a great example of the glory days of freehands at the Charatan factory.

 

[seadog]

LOL...not taken as a judgement or anything critical. The stem never really caught my attention simply because something different and Charatan are kind of synonymous. So a different stem.....who knows??....and went on with the restoration. Never gave it a second thought until now.

 

[seadog]

And I'll be sure to pass on this info to my friend who owns these Charatan. Always good to know, so you don't end up looking stupid....wink..wink...nod..nod....to quote Monty Python.