Estate Hardcastle Bulldog - How'd I do?

[numbersix]

It's in beautiful condition - the stem also has the "H" stamp on it. The rim was blackened, but it cleaned right up with a little rubbing. I haven't smoked it yet (just rec'd it today). So far very happy with the purchase, but would really like to hear from some of the pipe experts here. Picked it up on ebay for $26.

"HARDCASTLE'S / BRITISH MADE / OLD BRUYERE /61/MADE IN LONDON ENGLAND"
Before I made my bid, I did a quick bit of research on http://pipedia.org and http://www.pipephil.eu and it looked to me that this was before Dunhill bought Hardcastle. Dating this pipe is tricky (for me anyway).
Old Bruyere is the model name - so this is not a "second" in the Hardcastle line according to pipephil.eu (Hardcastle wasn't a premiere pipemaker from what I've learned, but a good pipemaker nonetheless). The site also says the "Old Bruyere" line was "Pre-Cadogan Era" - does anyone know what time period that places it in? Seems like it has to be prior to the 1960s, maybe much older?

 

[numbersix]

Thanks @herbinedave - good point about the H not being white. The stampings are very strong, and the bowl and stem are in perfect condition as far as I can tell.

 

[gmwolford]

I like bulldogs in general. And I think that's a good looking one! I can't comment on the age or pedigree (pun intended) but looks like a good buy to me.

 

[nsfisher]

I have a Hardcastle and it is a great smoker. Also before the buy out to Dunhill. I definitly would have paid the $26.00 for it, but alot also depends on the shipping cost. $26.00 and $5-$10.00 shipping is OK but when the shipping is higher, then often times I don't bother to bid. Some ebay vendors have the nerve to charge $20.00 and up for shipping a single pipe. I don't bother with them. I do not believe you should make money off shipping fees

 

[igloo]

You have done very well .Happy smokes .

 

[ssjones]

That is a handsome and classic bulldog. I think under $30 you did quite well. I'll be shocked if it is not a great smoker. She looks ready to roll too, no clean-up required.

 

[tbradsim1]

That bulldog will smoke just fine, number six I want to tell you how impressed I am with your quest for pipe knowledge, you will make a fine piper. The old cajun

 

[tokerpipes]

The "H" can be re-painted. A friend of mine used white out. Painted over a marking and then wiped over it leaving the white out in the marking. He then used some kind of sealer on the stem so it wouldn't come off as easy.

 

[topd]

Great Pipe. I like bulldogs of at least 6" long. They are hard to find though.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks for the input everybody - I am looking forward to trying it out ASAP.
@nsfisher I agree about the shipping, in this case it was I think $6 and it shipped very quickly
@tbradsim1 thanks Old Cajun - your input has been greatly appreciated
@tokerpipes never thought of that - the stamp has been worn down enough where I don't think I'll risk it, but eh, maybe so

 

[barkar]

Nice pipe. I like bulldogs too. Congrats and enjoy.

 

[cigrmaster]

Nice classic look, I think you did great 6. I bet you will get a lot more than 26 bucks worth of enjoyment from that puppy.

 

[atwageman]

You did well. That's one of the older ones. Happy smoking.

 

[koshersmoke]

Im a big fan of bulldog style pipes. they just look so nice to me. I have wanted to get one so bad for a while now. looks like i will have to keep my eye on e-bay. doese any body have any tips on buying old pipes on e- bay. things to look for and look out for.

 

[joeray]

That is a nice looking classic pipe. I also have a Hardcastle Bulldog and it smokes great and i use it only for non-aromatics.

 

[numbersix]

Congrats joeray - very nice looking pipe. Glad to know it's a great smoker too.
FWIW - I wound up selling my hardcastle to a member here but now kinda regret it. It was a great smoker, but I found I just am not a fan of bulldogs - still, it would have made an excellent travel pipe. Live and learn.

 

[condorlover1]

I have noticed of recent quite a few old meerschaum bulldog pipes have been showing up on Ebay with rather nice silver work and very chunky amber stems and half decent cases. They seem to go for between $70-$100 which is quite a reasonable price when you think of how much the new ones are selling for these days. I have never been keen on bulldogs but I know a lot of people really like them as an everyday smoker.