The vast majority of my huge stash of pipes are unbanded American higher end factory pipes from Lee, Marxman, Bertram, Weber, WDC, LH Stern, Fischer, Kaywoodie and some others.
But there are English banded American brand pipes. One of my best smokers is a banded LH Stern Sterling Silver banded hallmarked Birmingham 1943 (presumably imported after the Battle of the Atlantic).
One of my three 11” WDC Giant Wellingtons is marked
But in the mail there’s a banded Marxman Virgin Briar coming
The value of geniune sterling silver for a band during an era when fine silver bullion was a dollar or less for 31.1 grams (Troy ounce) would be a few cents only.
But then again briar pipes during the Golden Era of pipes from 1919-1950 started at 25 cents and a good one was a dollar and up to $25. Every penny counted.
But there are English banded American brand pipes. One of my best smokers is a banded LH Stern Sterling Silver banded hallmarked Birmingham 1943 (presumably imported after the Battle of the Atlantic).
One of my three 11” WDC Giant Wellingtons is marked
But in the mail there’s a banded Marxman Virgin Briar coming
The value of geniune sterling silver for a band during an era when fine silver bullion was a dollar or less for 31.1 grams (Troy ounce) would be a few cents only.
But then again briar pipes during the Golden Era of pipes from 1919-1950 started at 25 cents and a good one was a dollar and up to $25. Every penny counted.
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