Love this thread, and thanks for the photos. While I love the deep, crude rustication of the earliest pipes, they also had the tendency to have thin walls. I'm sure they're great smokers with quality craftsmanship, but that is one con you'll often, but not always, find with them. Or at least, that's something I don't like about them. I've been fascinated with this brand for decades and owned many. While everyone was trading Dunhills, I was hanging with these $30ers. I've even been tempted a few times to start a website just of photos I've saved. But...BUT...I also selfishly do not want to encourage competition. As I often say, only fools share their favorite fishing spots (I don't fish).