Rattray's Mary Sandblast Complete Set: 161 Rhodesian, 162 Prince, 163 Billiard with Black Knight Bag

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a complete three-pipe ensemble from Rattray's Mary Sandblast series, comprising shapes 161 Rhodesian, 162 Prince, and 163 Billiard. All three pipes feature the characteristic sandblasted finish and Rattray's triskele logo stamp. Accompanied by a Black Knight leather 3-pipe carrying bag and tobacco pouch, this is a rare assembled travel set from the early 2000s revival period. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Rattray's was founded in 1903 by Charles Rattray in Perth, Scotland, initially as a tobacco blending shop before expanding into pipe manufacture. The brand became respected for balanced tobacco formulations and classically proportioned briars favored by discerning smokers. After declining fortunes in the late 20th century, the marque was acquired and revived by German firm Kohlhase & Kopp GmbH & Co. KG under direction of Oliver Kopp. The Mary Sandblast line represents the modern revival period, featuring contemporary manufacturing standards while honoring traditional Rattray's shape nomenclature and aesthetic principles. GRADING & MARKS - Stampings: "RATTRAY'S" with triskele logo on shank of each pipe - "MARY" designation on sandblasted briar (shape-specific numbering: 161, 162, 163) - Country of origin: Germany or Italy (to be confirmed per individual pipe) - Finish: Matte black sandblast, uniformly applied - Grade: Factory first (no seconds designation noted) SHAPE ANALYSIS Shape 161 is a traditional Rhodesian with angled shank and bent transition. Shape 162 is a tapered Prince with pronounced bowl definition and slight bend. Shape 163 is a classical billiard with vertical bowl and straight shank. All three feature proportional sizing consistent with Rattray's documented specifications of the period. BRIAR & FINISH The Mary Sandblast series employs quality briar with tight grain structure suitable for sandblasting treatment. The matte black sandblasted finish is uniformly executed across all three pipes, revealing natural briar texture while maintaining the signature Rattray's aesthetic. No stain or polish present-pure sandblast throughout. CONDITION REPORT Overall condition: Near-mint to unsmoked. All three pipes appear unsmoked or minimally smoked. Chambers show no buildup or discoloration. Stems are unmarred with no tooth marks or oxidation. No visible fills, repairs, or rejuvenation work noted. Black Knight bag is supple leather with minimal wear. Tobacco pouch shows light handling only. This is a display-ready or lightly collectable ensemble. DIMENSIONS - Shape 161 (Rhodesian): length to be confirmed, bowl height to be confirmed, chamber diameter to be confirmed - Shape 162 (Prince): length to be confirmed, bowl height to be confirmed, chamber diameter to be confirmed - Shape 163 (Billiard): length to be confirmed, bowl height to be confirmed, chamber diameter to be confirmed - Black Knight bag: standard 3-pipe capacity (approximately 7 inches x 5 inches) CLOSING This ensemble ships from the Faridunhill archive with full professional sanitation and international delivery. A cohesive travel set of rare completeness for the serious Rattray's collector. SKU: SKU-203