Linkmans Dr Grabow

[FurCoat]

I picked this up for 5 bucks. It is a select grain, presmoked, shape #8424 with pat.#1896800 . The pipe is in great shape with minor handling marks and no tooth chatter on the stem. The stem has the spade on top of the stem which dates it from 44 to 53. I'm curious about the silver spade on the shank as I've never come across this marking. I can't find anything on it and I'm sure I can narrow down the year of manufacture with some more research. I haven't cleaned it up yet so here are some before pictures. I'll post more once she is back to near new condition or at least as close as I can get it.

 

[Ahi Ka]

That cool! I’ve only seen shields or circles as extra shank logos…however a quick look at Mckay’s series list says that the select grain has a sideways spade logo pointed towards the bowl. Never noticed that tidbit before.

 

[FurCoat]

That cool! I’ve only seen shields or circles as extra shank logos…however a quick look at Mckay’s series list says that the select grain has a sideways spade logo pointed towards the bowl. Never noticed that tidbit before.

Thanks for the info. Never heard of McKay's but I have it saved now.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Killer Linkman!

 

[verporchting]

I have several Linkman’s with the propeller on the stem and a shield on the shank but have never seen the sideways spade either. Very cool pipe!!! I think you will enjoy how it smokes. All of mine are great smokers even with those ridiculous stingers (which I always leave intact for period correctness!!) and I quite like them. Nice score!

 

[JimInks]

Great score, man. I have a few Linkmans, and they are excellent, unappreciated smokers.

 

[Briar Tuck]

That a great pipe for $5. Congrats on the deal.

I have at least one Linkman's pipe in my recent estate lot auction wins but I haven't smoked it yet.

 

[mikethompson]

How was that $5!?

Where are you guys buying pipes, 1981?

 

[verporchting]

How was that $5!?

Where are you guys buying pipes, 1981?

I have to admit, I paid $17 for an unsmoked Linkman’s billiard a few years ago, but in my defense it was still clipped into the original card stock display box, so I suppose my paying so much was justified…?

But I only paid $8.95 for the Linkman’s Canadian from the 1930s I bought earlier and it had been smoked before. So I hope that balances things out….

 

[Ahi Ka]

Any you guys have a patent holly court? My mate has a few pre-ww2 linkman’s and his favourite is the holly court.

 

[Briar Tuck]

Any you guys have a patent holly court? My mate has a few pre-ww2 linkman’s and his favourite is the holly court.

Yes, I just checked and my new estate Linkman's is a Hollycourt.

 

[FurCoat]

I have several Linkman’s with the propeller on the stem and a shield on the shank but have never seen the sideways spade either. Very cool pipe!!! I think you will enjoy how it smokes. All of mine are great smokers even with those ridiculous stingers (which I always leave intact for period correctness!!) and I quite like them. Nice score!

I keep all of my stingers intact. Once they are cleaned they always smoke fine. I have thin pip cleaners just for stingers.
I'm still on the look out for one with the propeller.
I'm surprised the logo on the shank survived.

 

[FurCoat]

Yes, I just checked and my new estate Linkman's is a Hollycourt.

If memory serves me right, Hollycourt is fron the 30's. Now that a score.

 

[FurCoat]

Great score, man. I have a few Linkmans, and they are excellent, unappreciated smokers.

Most of them got smoked to death and thrown away. I love the old drug store pipes and especially Dr. Grabow. I remember as a kid spinning the display at the store. They were my first introduction to pipes and to me they are blue collar pipes.

 

[verporchting]

Interestingly enough, the quality of the briar in these old Linkman’s is pretty high, at least in my opinion. Sure, there may be an occasional fill but as far as well cured and light weight smoking pipes I’m always impressed by them.

 

[FurCoat]

Interestingly enough, the quality of the briar in these old Linkman’s is pretty high, at least in my opinion. Sure, there may be an occasional fill but as far as well cured and light weight smoking pipes I’m always impressed by them.

To the naked eye I haven't seen a fill on this pipe. The quality of the briar is exceptional.

 

[FurCoat]

So I cleaned up the pipe and I didn't have to work too hard. The pipe was lightly smoked and just a few passes through the stem and shank resulted in a clean pipe cleaner. There was so little residue in the chamber that Everclear brought it back to bare wood. That said, I basically just gave it a good polish. She's ready to smoke.

 

[Perimeter_Road]

I have that pipes twin brother, acquired unsmoked from WVSS some years back.

 

[FurCoat]

I have that pipes twin brother, acquired unsmoked from WVSS some years back.
View attachment 202973View attachment 202972

That is so cool. Hopefully you broke it in.

 

[Perimeter_Road]

That is so cool. Hopefully you broke it in.

Definitely. It’s a favorite for quicker smokes. I think WVSS had it dated at 1945, I’ll see if I can confirm that.