Hierarchy of British pipe brands?

[Ahi Ka]

Earlier Masta patents fall though the cracks too

 

[kcghost]

There are a ton of English makers of pipes that could make fine pipes.

 

[greysmoke]

Upshall used the same Vulcanite supplier as Charatan, which was bought from the US. It was a cheaper grade, not top quality para rubber, but both companies were more concerned with the quality of the briar than the stem.
The Vulcanite arrived in big sheets which were then cut into strips for use in making pipe stems.
I learned the above from Ken Barnes, whose early duties at Charatan included cutting up the Vulcanite sheets on a table saw.

Ha! I knew it. Upshall stems are softer, more prone to wear, and more easily oxidized than any other I know (I'm not personally familiar with Charatans). This is why, despite their shabby looks, I don't polish mine. Yes, they're kinda grungy. But they smoke better than anything else I own.

 

[orlandofurioso]

Bulk of my pipes is old Britwood and I love them in equal measure.
However, if you insist ; Barling, Sasieni, Charatan, Dunhill, Upshall, Ashton.
Also Loewe, Ferndown, Comoy. BBB, Hardcastle etc.
Overlooked : Weingott ( family era only ) , Maurice, Charles Maas, Delacour, S&G.