Vintage
Hardcastle Royal Bruyere 281 Poker Estate Pipe Dunhill Era London Made
This a desirable
Hardcastle pipe from the brand's "Transition Period." This was a
significant era when Hardcastle was owned by Dunhill but still operated by the
original family.
Below are the
historical and technical details.
Historical
Background
• Era: This pipe
dates to the Transition Period (1946–1967).
• The Dunhill
Connection: In 1946, Alfred Dunhill purchased 100% of the Hardcastle company
shares. During this specific period (until 1967), the Hardcastle family
continued to manage the factory, resulting in a unique blend of
"family" craftsmanship and Dunhill-level quality control.
• Provenance:
These pipes are highly regarded by collectors as "Dunhill seconds"
from an era when they were still distinct, high-quality English instruments
before being fully merged with the Parker brand.
Pipe
Specifications:
• Brand:
Hardcastle
• Line: Royal
Bruyere (A mid-to-high grade line within the Hardcastle catalog).
• Shape #281:
This shape is classically identified as a Poker.
• Features: A
Poker is characterized by its flat-bottomed bowl (allowing it to sit upright on
a table), a straight shank, and a cylindrical bowl.
• Origin
Stamping: "Made in London, England" or "London Made"
signifies it was produced at the Forest Road plant in Walthamstow before
production shifted to the Parker-Hardcastle factory in 1967.
Dating &
Identification
• Keywords: "Hardcastle Poker 281," "Royal
Bruyere," "Dunhill Era," and "London Made."
• Condition: It's
an estate pipe, very minimal chatter" (tooth marks) on the bit.
• The
"Sitter" Bonus: Because it is a Poker, it is a "sitter,"
meaning it can stand on its own without a pipe rest—a feature many buyers look
for.
Vintage
Hardcastle Royal Bruyere 281 Poker Estate Pipe - Dunhill Era London Made
Hardcastle #281 Royal Bruyere Sitter Pipe -
1946-1967 Transition Period
Item Specifics
• Brand:
Hardcastle
• Line: Royal
Bruyere
• Shape: #281
(Poker / Sitter)
• Era: Transition
Period (Dunhill Owned)
• Country: United
Kingdom (London Made)
• Material: Briar
Wood & Vulcanite
Detailed
Description:
For sale is a
beautiful piece of English pipe-making history: a Hardcastle Royal Bruyere in
the classic #281 Poker shape.
This pipe dates
to the highly collectible Transition Period (1946–1967). Following the
acquisition of Hardcastle by Alfred Dunhill in 1946, these pipes were produced
under Dunhill ownership while still utilizing the original family factory's
craftsmanship in London.
The #281 shape is
a quintessential "Sitter." Its flat-bottomed design allows the pipe
to stand upright on any flat surface without a stand, making it an ideal
"desk pipe" for multitasking.
Condition Notes:
• Stamping:
Clearly stamped with "Hardcastle's #281," "Royal Bruyere,"
and "Made in London, England."
• Stem: Original
vulcanite stem with a comfortable bit.
• Bowl: Deep
cylindrical chamber; please see photos for rim condition and internal carbon
cake.
• Overall: Solid
shank-to-stem fit with no visible cracks or repairs.
Disclaimer!!!! This is a vintage, collectible estate pipe. Good condition. Note to Collectors: I am an estate researcher/reseller and not a pipe expert, so I describe these items to the best of my visual ability. This pipe is an estate-found item. While I have given it a light external cleaning, it is being sold in "as-found" condition. It may require additional reaming, stem polishing, or professional refinishing to meet your specific standards. To avoid any surprises, please zoom in on all photos as they serve as the primary description of the item's condition. Vintage estate find; light surface cleaning only. Please see all photos and descriptions for rim wear, oxidation, and overall wear levels.
Vintage estate
find; light surface cleaning only. Please see photos for rim char, oxidation,
and wear levels
• Overall Length:
5-1/4” inches
• Vulcanite Stem
Length: 2-1/2” inches
• Bowl Height: 1-7/8”
inches
• Bowl Diameter
(Outer): 1-1/2” inches
• Chamber
Diameter (Inner): 3/4 inches
• Chamber Depth: 1-1/4”
inches
• Weight: 1.5
ounces
********************************************************************************************************
Sold as is-no
returns*********** so please study the pictures and do your research on this
item.
Keep in mind the
shipping price also covers all handling fees, packaging materials & time,
not just postage.
We do our best to
give accurate descriptions of our items and photograph every item.
Please refer to
the pictures for more details; review all pictures and ask all legitimate
questions before purchasing.
We always post
pictures of actual items up for sale, so what you see on our showcase is what
you will receive!
Please scan and
zoom in on all pictures so you can see complete details and overall quality.
See ALL photos
for they are PART of the description and the ACTUAL item you will receive
Great addition to
your collection or give as a fabulous gift for your loved ones!
As fellow
collectors, we always make sure to pack with extra care for safe journey.
Please review my
feedback and buy with confidence.
Please feel
free to contact me for further assistance! Thank you and have a great day!
Thank you for
looking and please don't hesitate to contact me.
Ref bin location
# bin pipe 1