Charatan of London Grosvenor Shape 2109 Rhodesian Sandblast Fishtail Vulcanite Stem

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. CHARATAN OF LONDON GROSVENOR SHAPE 2109 RHODESIAN - This is a superlative English briar Rhodesian (quarter-bent) pipe crafted by Charatan of London under the Grosvenor line. The pipe features a striking deep sandblast finish in near-black relief, a diamond-faceted shank, and a bent vulcanite saddle stem with fishtail mouthpiece. No filter. A landmark example of post-war English pipe manufacture from one of London's most storied makers. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Frederick Charatan, a Russian-Jewish immigrant of exceptional craftsmanship, established his first workshop in 1863 on Mansell Street near the Tower of London, initially carving meerschaum pipes of extraordinary quality. The company relocated to Prescot Street and pivoted to briar manufacture, becoming the first pipe company in the world to produce pipes entirely in-house - from raw briar block through finished product. This vertical integration became Charatan's hallmark. The Grosvenor line represented a mid-tier house grade, positioned between standard production and premium Custom or Special grades. Charatan pipes of this era are prized for consistency of briar selection, precision shaping, and the distinctive sandblast finishes that emerged as a signature house aesthetic during the mid-20th century. GRADING & MARKS - Stem marking: "CHARATAN" stamped on vulcanite, legible and sharp - Shank marking: "CHARATAN OF LONDON" stamped on diamond shank, clear impression - Line designation: "GROSVENOR" stamped, confirming mid-house grade classification - Shape code: "2109" stamped, Charatan's internal system for Rhodesian bent configuration - Finish grade: Sandblast, applied with precision; relief pattern uniform - Country of origin: Marked "LONDON" or "ENGLAND" per period convention SHAPE ANALYSIS Shape 2109 is Charatan's designation for the Rhodesian form - a quarter-bent bowl with pronounced vertical rake and a compact, blocky profile. The bowl exhibits classic Rhodesian geometry: wide at the shoulder, tapered at the base, with a modest forward cant. The diamond shank is a four-sided faceted profile, a premium detail that catches light and adds visual distinction. The bent vulcanite stem terminates in a fishtail or drop mouthpiece, a period-correct design choice for this configuration. BRIAR & FINISH The briar displays a tight grain structure, consistent with premium European stock used by Charatan during this era. The sandblast finish is applied with precision, creating a deep relief pattern in near-black tones with subtle highlights where the blast catches the wood grain beneath. This finish masks minor grain irregularities while providing excellent grip and a sophisticated aesthetic. The surface texture is uniform and inviting to the touch. CONDITION REPORT Overall Grade: Very Good to Excellent. Rim exhibits minor light wear consistent with light smoking history; no cracks, breaks, or repairs. Chamber interior shows light carbon buildup, patina only, no damage. Stem is sound, unstained, with normal age patina to vulcanite; no cracks or splits. No fills, no repairs, no structural compromise. The pipe presents as a lightly-smoked, well-maintained estate example. DIMENSIONS - Length (nose to stem end): 144 mm (5.67 inches) - Bowl height (rim to sole): 43 mm (1.69 inches) - Chamber diameter (widest internal): 20 mm (0.79 inches) - Chamber depth: 28 mm (1.10 inches) - Weight: 51 g (1.80 oz.) This Charatan Grosvenor ships directly from the Faridunhill archive with worldwide service. Each pipe receives professional sanitation and documentation. A genuine example of London craftsmanship, ready for the collector's cabinet. SKU: SKU-294