My #1 Holy Grail - Comoy's 499 Extraordinaire

[ssjones]

If you follow my posts and collection, you no doubt are aware that I love the chubby Rhodesian shape. My #1 and #2 Holy Grail pipe shapes are the Comoy's 499 and GBD 9242.
Well, last week, a generous member of another forum offered to me his 499 and I bought it in person yesterday. I had to sacrifice two of my Comoy's and one Peterson to acquire it, but it was worth that and more.
It is an Extraordinaire grade 499 and in fantastic condition. From the stamping, the pipe was made in the 1930's, which is incredible to me. It would be wonderful just to look at, but it smokes wonderfully to boot and I'm enjoying some Princes Street Mixture in the pipe right now. I never really thought I would find this pipe, as in the past three years, I've seen none offered for sale.

 

[captainsousie]

That is one amazing looking pipe, congrats.

 

[wildcat]

Congratulations!

 

[mustanggt]

Well done sir. Nice curves on that one!!! :lol:

 

[nsfisher]

That is a rare beauty mate. I also like my Comoys

 

[philobeddoe]

She's a beauty, I'm very happy for you.

 

[mthanded]

Beautiful pipe. Congratulations.

 

[fnord]

Al:
I am so happy for you. It's really quite a feat when you're able to obtain something you've wanted for so long.
The pipe itself is beautiful. The fact that it's been around for over seventy years is astonishing. That you're enjoying it so much is the payoff, pal.
Good on you.
Fnord

 

[progger]

Same sentiments as fnord. Quite a fine day for you if I say so myself. Quite a looker of a pipe! Thanks for sharing this awesome addition to your fold. Pun intended. ::

 

[admin]

Great acquisition Al! I love Comoys, but I like the slim, straight classic shapes more for my taste.
That is a great looking pipe from the 1930s though. Enjoy it.

 

[papipeguy]

Great find, Al. Enjoy it.

 

[flmason]

Congratulations on finding a pipe that is very special to you. Persistence does have its rewards. I hope you can enjoy it for many years.

 

[ssjones]

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/74716036/History%20of%20Comoys%2C%20Guide%20towards%20Dating%20-%20Derek%20Green.pdf
Thanks guys! I used Derek Greens "Dating of Comoys" article to date the pipe. I don't think it is available any longer, so I put a copy in my Dropbox, link above if anyone needs to download a copy for their library.
I did have to sacrifice some pipes to obtain this one. But last night, in updating my pipe log, I had invested $80 in the four estate pipes that I bought, restored and resold to get the funds. That gave me a little satisfaction.

 

[instymp]

Nice pipe Sir.

 

[numbersix]

Big congrats to you Al. That is indeed the Holy Grail of pipes! And thank a lot for the dating guide - I have downloaded it for future reference.

 

[plet]

Awesome pipe and great article! Thanks!

 

[gmwolford]

Pipe log ... hmmm... back to the post...
That's a great story and pipe, Al. Just a real beauty! And thanks for sharing another great article. I need to add a new folder to my Dropbox to keep "pipe stuff" in now!

 

[irish]

Congrats Al... super nice pipe. Hope you enjoy.

 

[salewis]

I have two old Comoys and they are outstanding smokers probably due to mthe old briar that is considerably a better smoker than the newer briar.

 

[uberam3rica]

Congrats! I'm glad you found your holy grail. My oldest pipe is a monarch, for sometime in the thirties. It's in good condition, but not as good as yours.