Recent Antique Shop Find- Poker

[ghost]

I recently picked up this poker at an antique shop. I haven't cleaned it yet (I also just noticed the stem wasn't aligned in the pics I took) and it's vexed me since I bought it. I thought I should draw on the wisdom of this forum to give me some insight behind it if possible. For some reason, I just can't Google myself an answer for this...
First pic, pretty standard looking poker. Stamped "Frank- Italian Briar" on the side. Okay cool, a Frank. Not much mystery there...

...on the bottom, however....!!!! :?:

Okay, so it's a Black and Decker pipe...? Has anyone seen this before? Maybe it was a promotional item of some kind, "buy a drill get a pipe?"

 

[photoman13]

Haven't seen it before. Have you tried turning the stem upside down. Some times they are fitted for a certain direction.

 

[ghost]

I did turn the stem, that was exactly what the issue was. It aligns perfectly now, no Black and Decker tools needed for that task...

 

[philobeddoe]

Cool pipe, could be a promo item or poss. an employee pipe that was given internally at B&D. Either way it's cool.

 

[captainsousie]

Could also be a Frank Medico.
EDIT: also a S.M. Frank is possible.

 

[nsfisher]

Hey mate, it is similiar to this one here? Am still looking but if I remember correctly, they may have been made as a lesser class of the St. Claude. Not 100% sure yet though
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-black-decker-tools-estate-75015346

 

[ghost]

Aha! Thanks nsfisher, hopefully this will lead to some more answers...
Dave- googling the logos from various eras now...Thanks!

 

[nsfisher]

I know I seen a Black & Decker somewhere while looking around durin last month or so but I cant find it or remember where. For some reason St. Claude sticks in my mind, but, my mind ain't what it used to be so I am probably wrong.

 

[captainsousie]

That would corroborate the idea of Wally Frank as many Wallys came from France. I could be wrong and often am.

 

[ejames]

Is there any markings on the stem? An "F" maybe? Got a pic of the tenon? I believe it is promotional pipe. I have a couple of old Grabows made for Mobil Marine Oils and Gargoyle(Mobil) Marine oils and a Half&Half Grabow.

 

[johncorosz]

more info on the subject
http://brothersofbriar.forumotion.com/t16123-what-kind-of-pipe-is-this

 

[fnord]

Ghost:
I love antique shop pipes and this one is a beauty.
But, I'll be the rude guest and ask about pricing. You either paid a premium for the B&D logo or you bagged this burner for anything between a one to ten dollar bill.
Just curious and I won't mind a bit if you tell me to buzz off.
Fnord

 

[ssjones]

Good link johncorosz, thought I'd read about a promotional B&D pipe in the past. Pretty cool find!

 

[mick]

That's a cool find. I really like the B&D stamp on the bottom. Definitely harkens back to a different era when pipe smokers were the mainstream of society, not on the fringe.

 

[ghost]

Thanks for all the comments everyone!
@ejames- I'll take a few more pics today. I didn't see any markings on the stem on first glance, but will give it a good going over today.
@johncorosz- Thanks for the link, the answer is out there then if others have seen them.
@fnord- I paid $20 (Canadian) for it. Logo aside, it's in decent shape. I had actually put it down, then went back to it when the PAD kicked in. It would've been great to snag it for less, but it's a cool piece so I'm at ease with the purchase. They had a lot of new pipes there since my last visit, but they seemed to be all Medicos. I'm not a fan, but some looked quite old so I may do some reading up and go back this weekend. All the Medicos were $10 each.

 

[fnord]

Brother, you got a good deal. If it were just a Wally Frank or an S. M. Frank that might be a bit on the high side. But, when you add the Black and Decker logo as a promotional piece, that brings on several layers of cross-collectability. Aside from the fact that it's just plain cool, this could be a "get" for some person who collects advertising and even power tools. More importantly, if it smokes well, and you love it, then who gives a rip what it costs?
Good catch.

 

[tbradsim1]

You got a fine American piece of history for 20$, you done good sharp looking. The old cajun

 

[ghost]

Thanks Guys! I'll post some after pics once I clean it up. I'll be taking extra care around that logo...

 

[nsfisher]

Sorry mate, took long to get back to ya. I couldn't find anything more on your B&D. I am at a loss