Same here. I only recently learned from Mark that there is no indication that the shape existed in the pre-Republic era and it also was only here in the US. But, I hold out hope for a hallmarked example to prove Mark wrong! (I'm sure he would also be delighted). Another good example of why you cannot solely rely on Peterson stamping to determine the age of their pipes.When I bought mine, it was presented as a pre-republic. I was disappointed to find out otherwise, but I didn't pay a lot for it, it was in mint condition, and is a great smoker, so I got over it. I wouldn't trade or sell mine for anything.