Dr. Grabow Westbrook

[Alligator Gar]

Pete and George were both struck by this pipe. There's a little bit of a story to it, some mystery, and it's a good excuse to post some pipe pr0n, so here goes.



I picked this pipe up along with a GBD Clubhouse on another pipe forum WTS. I posted about the GBD here:

http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/genera...html#post66209 Scroll down.

I posted the before and after on the other site and the seller got kind of pissed. He had intended to learn how to restore but needed the money, etc. etc. I offered to restore an old Dublin of his gratis and thereby made a friend, but decided against posting the Westbrook restore.

Today @NeverBend reminded me of how special the Dr. Grabow is. It is nearly 7" long and the shank is close to 4 inches. It has a very tall, deep bowl that is deceptively large.

Album: Westbrook - Album on Imgur

I have Googled this pipe to exhaustion and I can't find one that has this long shank. It is an exceptional piece of briar, the finish makes the grain look three dimensional and the shape is possibly unique. Per Pete's request I compiled a gallery of marks and stamps:

Westbrook Marks - Album on Imgur

It's hard as hell to photograph the bottom stamps in the picture. They say IMPORTED BRIAR, AUTOMATIC in cursive script and has the patent number.

I would love to learn more about one of my favorite pipes! What say you, brothers?