Advice where to get information on a pipe

[icecake]

I am new to this forum and I would appreciate some guidence on what is available to members. I have acquired a very nice pipe but I don't know anything about it. I have determined from the internet that it is made by a known company but I don't know if it is special or not. Initially I would like to know if it is collectible. I don't know if the forum can give any ideas of value. If not, can the forum suggest where I might get an idea of its value? The pipe is a Comoy Specimen Straight Grain stamped with the number "2" and having "Made in London" in a circle with "England" under the circle. The top of the bowl has a lovely "Lava Effect."

Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: Moved to Pipe Talk, L.

 

[sjpipesmoker]

Try this site--->Click Here

 

[icecake]

Thank you for the kind information. My pipe appears to be quite a find but I can't nail it down to the number "2" or the "Lava Effect" bowl top. Any suggestions?

 

[sjpipesmoker]

Try to post a picture if you can?

Not sure about the number 2?? could be the grade, or the year or a number of things??
The lava effect just might be the way the pipe is carved? Without pics it's hard to tell

 

[cajunguy]

If the number on the bottom of the pipe is the "2" of which your writing, that seems to be a bit of mystery. I've never read a definitive answer for it. Some Comoy pipes have it, some don't. I've heard it suggested that the number is a maker's mark, but I think its a grade of some sort (e.g. 1 - 5, one being the best, etc)
As far as the lava effect, my imagination is coming up with two possibilities:
This is called a "Plateau Briar." You'll find it on many Danish "Freehand" pipes:

... or the "wax drip" effect that is carved in relief from the briar:

Hope this helps, and welcome to the boards!

 

[cortezattic]

Welcome to the PipesMagazine.com forums! :clap:
Derek Green comes to mind when you mention Comoy's pipes.

I gather that the Specimen Straight Grain is the creme of the crop. We'd all love to see some pix!

You may wish to browse his website.

 

[judcole]

Welcome aboard! I have an old Comoy myself (circa 1980). It's a great smoker.

 

[icecake]

How do I attach photos to a reply?

 

[icecake]

The number "2" is not on the bottom of the pipe but on the other side from where it says "Comoy ......"

 

[fnord]

Great find, Ice. You'll discover from noodling around on the web that collecting Comoy pipes can be a spiritual undertaking. Their seconds are great burners as well - I can witness to Guildhall, Sunrise and Everyman.
http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Comoy
Please post a picture when you can. I know it can a daunting task but we'd all like to see it.
Welcome to the forums, friend-o.
Fnord