No pipe related gifts.
My son's gave me cigars (2 Gurka's & 2 AJ Fernandez's) about which I know next to nothing.
My wife gave a great WWII piece...
WWII British Blackout Lantern
MIN OF SUPPLY PATTERN PROV PAT NO 1420/41 CB B (? GB B)
"WWII British Kerosene Blackout Air Raid Lantern, Olive Drab Finish, 10 1/2" Tall, "Min. of Supply Pat / Prov. Pat. No. 1420/41 / C B / B" (or "GB" over "B"). "Pat" in text is actually "Pattern", but was not fully stamped.
These were originally issued by the British Ministry of Supply to mark safe locations during German air raids over British towns and cities, designed to be seen from the ground, but not seen from the air.
These lanterns were hung at air raid shelters during the War The cap over the top would prohibit the Germans from discovering the crosses as they flew overhead The side without a cross was hung against the shelter, and the other three sides with the crosses could be seen from any direction (except overhead) to guide those in need to the shelter."
I was unaware & have never seen one. Apparently similar Black Out lamps were produced with rectangular red panes which were hooded to cast light downward & preserve night vision.
I may "fire it up" after cleaning.