Dunhill identification help

[eyewsee369]

Hi all,
Just picked up this lil Dunhill bent.
I can make out that it is a 1963, group 3 and a fishtail (FT).
I am not understanding “53”, star, “3” outside of the encircled 3, and “S”.

I appreciate any insight.

btw. It’s a good smoker..albeit bowl gets kinds hot.

thanks,
Jack

 

[eyewsee369]

*1962

 

[jguss]

The way I read it the pipe was made in 1962 and sold in 1963 (that's signified by the "3" under the star). The "3" in the circle shows the group size. And 53 is the shape number. As for the star opinions vary, but stars were used to grade DR pipes and one view is that pipes were sometimes stamped with a star and later revealed flaws which necessitated sandblasting. I've also seen it said that the star signified a replacement stummel, which to me at least seems distinctly odd.

 

[eyewsee369]

The way I read it the pipe was made in 1962 and sold in 1963 (that's signified by the "3" under the star). The "3" in the circle shows the group size. And 53 is the shape number. As for the star opinions vary, but stars were used to grade DR pipes and one view is that pipes were sometimes stamped with a star and later revealed flaws which necessitated sandblasting. I've also seen it said that the star signified a replacement stummel, which to me at least seems distinctly odd.

Thanks jguss!!! That’s very helpful info.