Dr. Grabow Experts Please

[PiperCalvinist]

When I started smoking I found out from my dad that he still had a pipe in his basement from the days when he used to smoke (over 45 years ago). It’s a Dr. Grabow Eldorado 81 (rusticated). I was hoping you experts could tell me what year this pipe was made, and tell me what you know about this model. What I’ve Googled is not all that clear to me. One search came up comparing different Grabow models to cars and called it a Cadillac. ? Either way, it’s special to me because it’s my dad’s pipe.

I appreciate any info you Grabow lovers might have to share on this pipe. It’s a pretty light pipe!

Thank you!
Craig

 

[didimauw]

Wish I could be more help. But I do know you have a gem of a pipe there! And it looks like it's in great condition too! Beautiful!

 

[didimauw]

I'm assuming you looked here already. I've seen mention of 1955 to 1960.

Dr. Grabow Models (Series,Line) Names Through the Years - Pipedia

pipedia.org

 

[PiperCalvinist]

I'm assuming you looked here already. I've seen mention of 1955 to 1960.

Dr. Grabow Models (Series,Line) Names Through the Years - Pipedia

pipedia.org

Yes, I did see that page, which has a lot of great info, but it makes a distinction between the Eldorado (50’s-60’s), and the Eldorado Rustic (which first shored up in 1976 (at least in ads). My dad’s pipe is clearly rusticated, but I don’t know if the distinction they are making is one of finish or one of model name, as if Grabow had a line called Eldorado Rustic? My pipe only says Eldorado on the back.

 

[didimauw]

Yup you are correct on that. I ignored the rusticsted part, as I forgot yours was for some reason.

 

[FurCoat]

First let me say, that is a beautiful pipe. The Eldorado was top of the line for their retail market and the 81 is not a common shape. Without a patent number and not being stamped as presmoked, I would guess that this pipe is from the 70s. I'm guessing the stem is vulcanite. The modern ABS stems didn't take off until 1980. There were some attempts earlier to replace vulcanite with plastic but the material was inferior and from what I can tell was not offered with the Eldorado, though I could be wrong, so if it is plastic take great care with the stem.

 

[PiperCalvinist]

First let me say, that is a beautiful pipe. The Eldorado was top of the line for their retail market and the 81 is not a common shape. Without a patent number and not being stamped as presmoked, I would guess that this pipe is from the 70s. I'm guessing the stem is vulcanite. The modern ABS stems didn't take off until 1980. There were some attempts earlier to replace vulcanite with plastic but the material was inferior and from what I can tell was not offered with the Eldorado, though I could be wrong, so if it is plastic take great care with the stem.

Yeah, I’m thinking it was made 1978. I say that because some other guy who is well studied up on Grabow from another website told me this specific model with the rustication was only made between 78-83’. My dad says he quite in the late 70’s, so I’m assuming he got a 78’ version since the bowl looks like it has been smoked a good number of times. Pretty cool getting all this historical data!

Interesting mentioned a vulcanite stem. I was that’s what it was, but it doesn’t have the oxidation look like so many other older used pipes seen? So that made me wonder if is vulcanite? There is a small area of teeth marks, but not too bad. My dad was not a clencher.

Thanks a lot for your input!

 

[FurCoat]

Yeah, I’m thinking it was made 1978. I say that because some other guy who is well studied up on Grabow from another website told me this specific model with the rustication was only made between 78-83’. My dad says he quite in the late 70’s, so I’m assuming he got a 78’ version since the bowl looks like it has been smoked a good number of times. Pretty cool getting all this historical data!

Interesting mentioned a vulcanite stem. I was that’s what it was, but it doesn’t have the oxidation look like so many other older used pipes seen? So that made me wonder if is vulcanite? There is a small area of teeth marks, but not too bad. My dad was not a clencher.

Thanks a lot for your input!

If the pipe was kept out of the sun any oxidation would be minimal. I have found the vulcanite on these old Grabows to be of good quality also. Rub the stem with your thumb until the stem is warm and give it the sniff test. If it smells like burnt rubber, it's vulcanite.

 

[PiperCalvinist]

If the pipe was kept out of the sun any oxidation would be minimal. I have found the vulcanite on these old Grabows to be of good quality also. Rub the stem with your thumb until the stem is warm and give it the sniff test. If it smells like burnt rubber, it's vulcanite.

Yep, it does pass the rubber smell test. And there is what I guess would be called light oxidation where his mouth covered the stem when smoking. It’s very very light discoloration. I’m thinking that could be buffed out, right? Or is there a better way?

 

[badbriar]

Yep - the Eldorado was a high end offering. The 81 is an Author (my favorite, as you can see). IMHO, one of their better styles. I believe yours may also be an adjustomatic.
If you ever decide to pass that one along...!
Enjoy!

 

[Rossi320]

Really nice enjoy it and appreciate the history of it

 

[jpberg]

That’s a neat thing to have. I’m assuming the shape is their answer to the 13b.

 

[Peter - CCB]

Here’s some info from over at grabow collector’s forum though it doesn’t go into this type of rustication. I’ve owned 400+ Grabows and many Eldorados. They’re my favorite line overall from the brand. The rustic ones are far more rare than smooth in my experience. Anyway, I often refer to this … I would like to add more but no time at the moment. Sorry. - P

oh and that’s a rare shape for eldorado as well. nice author. I like it!

Eldorado smooth natural wax 1956 1966
Eldorado smooth natural clear lacquer 1966 1978
Eldorado carved red lacquer 1976 1978
Eldorado 1st sandblast dark lacquer 1978 ??
Eldorado 2nd sandblast red lacquer ?? 1989
Eldorado smooth red lacquer 1978 1989
——
Emperor / Eldorado Same Pipe:

“The Emperor and the early Eldorado are the same pipe --just different stamping. The Eldorado was the top of the line in the regular retail production. The Emperor was top of the line in the coupon pipe line up. Fills can be found in both lines--usually quite small and usually only one or two. Production ended in '89, some sold into early 90's.”

-

 

[PiperCalvinist]

Here’s some info from over at grabow collector’s forum though it doesn’t go into this type of rustication. I’ve owned 400+ Grabows and many Eldorados. They’re my favorite line overall from the brand. The rustic ones are far more rare than smooth in my experience. Anyway, I often refer to this … I would like to add more but no time at the moment. Sorry. - P

oh and that’s a rare shape for eldorado as well. nice author. I like it!

Eldorado smooth natural wax 1956 1966
Eldorado smooth natural clear lacquer 1966 1978
Eldorado carved red lacquer 1976 1978
Eldorado 1st sandblast dark lacquer 1978 ??
Eldorado 2nd sandblast red lacquer ?? 1989
Eldorado smooth red lacquer 1978 1989
——
Emperor / Eldorado Same Pipe:

“The Emperor and the early Eldorado are the same pipe --just different stamping. The Eldorado was the top of the line in the regular retail production. The Emperor was top of the line in the coupon pipe line up. Fills can be found in both lines--usually quite small and usually only one or two. Production ended in '89, some sold into early 90's.”

-

Thank you for all that information! That’s wonderful! It sure does smoke well, that’s for sure.