From: Adamm Ferrier <???????????????????????>
Subject: Re: Benjamins

As promised, am reporting back.

I went in and searched out a few gems: a couple of GBD pipes were
snapped up immediately.  It seems that these pipes given to Benjamins
are very old stock: there were two HUGE cardboard crates full of boxes
of pipes.  Most, unfortunately, are what I suppose you'd call in
Yankese "drug-store" pipes of the <<highly>> desirable type with "real
briar" reassuringly stamped on the sides.  The second time I went in
they had not completely unpacked the second crate, as Benjamin had
departed overseas to a convention (lucky sod!).  I must say I was very
impressed with the staff: they were very helpful and before leaving
Benjamin himself let me rummage around in the first carton with what I
consider to be great latitude.  Perhaps he is not used to someone
relatively young purchasing pipes.  I also managed to score from his
regular stock an ebony Peterson 120.

Nevertheless, I am VERY pleased with the GBD's, especially when he let
me have them for only $AUD 9.95 each!  (That's about $US7.00!!!!)  I
am presently breaking in one of the two Pedigree pipes (#90891).  I
have never had a Peterson (my usual brand) that has smoked so well.
The smoke is cool and always stays well lit - one match and you're
away.  The other one I grabbed is a Pedigree #91311 SF.  The grain
patterns are beautiful.  The shanks have "HAND CUT" marked near the
join.

Now, for a few questions.... ( I hope you'll oblige by donning your
pipe expert fez when and if you reply!) Should I keep the extras
untouched for a time?  Are these pipes hard to get elsewhere?  Is
there anyone out there desperate for one of these? (perhaps it's a bit
selfish to hang onto both)

By the way, has anyone ever heard of tobaccos called "Skallorna" or
"Cutty Sark"?  I collect old advertisements (any contributions
welcome!) and have never seen these tobaccos for sale: perhaps they
were for the UK and USA domestic markets.

Any comments welcome, as is also any brochures etc from stockists.  If
anyone is visiting Australia, please do not hesitate to give me a call
(although I don't think the surplus supplies at Benjamins would
justify it.... after all, I have got in there first!!!!!)

Once again, THANKS for the great work you do.

Adamm

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            Adamm Ferrier  - Australia Music Edition, 
	     Computer  Music Typesetter
                    PO BOX 1099, WINDSOR 3181
             AUSTRALIA.  Phone/fax: (61-3) 9525 2660                     
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