Comoy Grand Slam $10 in-store single pipe displays

[ram61]

Hi,
New to this forum. I am looking for some assistance and knowledge. I used to repair smoking pipes 40+ years ago, at my father's pipe and tobacco store, in Cincinnati, Ohio. I repaired thousands of briar, meerschaum, ect. I recently came across of few items, that I've had from it's closing over 35 years ago. Two item, are Comoy Grand Slam $10 in-store single pipe displays. I can't find any photos or information on the internet of one. I believe they're quite rare and are 60+ years old, based on the price. I would appreciate any information.
I would like to upload a photo of it, but can't figure out how I can do that on this forum.
Thank you

 

[jguss]

They date from the period between the end of WW2 when pipe production by Comoy very gradually resumed (much of their manufacturing capacity was dedicated to supporting the English war effort until reconversion) and the mid-fifties (the Grand Slam was priced at $10 through the 1956-57 edition of the RTDA Almanac, after which it increased to $11.50). So your guess of 60+ years is right on the money.

 

[skaukatt]

Here's how to post photos. I'd love to see photos of the displays...
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/how-to-videos

 

[mso489]

ram61, welcome aboard. You have some wonderful stories to share about your years in and around your dad's pipe shop. You've come to the right place. This is your audience.

 

[ram61]

 

[ram61]

Hope this helps and works.
Edited by jvnshr: Picture link fixed.

 

[cortezattic]

Welcome to the forums! :clap:

I can't quite make out the picture because of the blur and low contrast. Any explanation?

 

[ssjones]

I've not seen this Comoys shop display.
Tell us more about your fathers shop in Cincy. Are there any pictures of it?

 

[admin]

I wanna see too! Comoys are my favorite along with Dunhill.

 

[ram61]

I believe it was over 100 years old, when he bought it in the late 70's. It was one of the oldest anywhere in the region. They used to make briar bowls there. I worked with amber stems, bone screws and other very old materials. Repaired pipes from all over the country. Hard, dirty and unique experience. Think the local papers did a couple of articles about the shop, while I was there. My favorite thing, walking through the door and smelling all the pipe tobacco. Great memories.

 

[ram61]

Found a few pictures on web. That isn't me in the photos, but shop was very basic and no frills.

Good article.
http://diggingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2012/03/keyer-and-more.html
Hope you enjoy.

 

[ram61]

New to this, don't know if pictures appeared.

 

[ssjones]

Ram: I fixed the pictures for you. You are pasting the URL location into the IMG box, it should be right click, get the image location, than paste that. But fixed!
We love seeing photos like this, that is what a shop should look like.
Tell us all that you remember about working at the shop, please!

 

[ssjones]

That article is very interesting as well. Bygone days indeed.
How old were you when you worked there? Do you still smoke a pipe. What brands were sold, besides Comoy's.
I see from the article, that the big sign is in a local museum, good news there.

 

[ram61]

I believe I was around 15 or 16, when he acquired it. He hoped, that I would be able to learn how to repair pipes, since repairs brought in a lot business and Judd was retiring. I repaired pipe for other pipe shops, as well as people all over the country. They hoped I'd be able to pick it up within a year, but I was totally proficient in about a month. I have never taken up smoking, but am going to craft my own pipe from a briar block. Going to give it a try, Hell I don't plan on living forever. We sold just about every brand, Comoy, Dunhill, Parker, Dr. Grabow, meerschaum, freehands, Peterson, ect.