From: Ralph Proctor <???????????????????>
Subject: A First for Pipes Digest? [a new pipe]

Hello fellow digesters:

This would be a trivial matter to even speak of
were it not for: It's a first for me and I don't
think anything like this has been mentioned on
Pipes Digest. So at some risk here goes.

Today I received (by certified mail--of all things)
a Captain Black coupon offer I had ordered over
four weeks ago.

It's a "Sentinal" Billiard.
$19.95 including shipping and handling
(and no tax). On the box its origin is
Lane Limited
1731 US Highway 21 South
Sparta, North Carolina

It sure is a thing of beauty. Apparently flawless
and with a perfectly aligned vulcanite stem with
a nice white anchor stamped on.

My first smoke is uneventful. My experience with my
recent new Ardors is an exception. Usually the first
smoke in a new pipe doesn't tell me much. All I can
say is it is just fine. With pre-caronized bowls I
alway first smoke top down and then go to several
bottom ups.

The pipe is described on the coupon:
"Handsome two tone finish. Achieved by first applying
a dark  base stain, then sanded prior to adding the
second finishing stain, a rich burgundy. This brings
out the natural grain of the briar to its full
splendor. Highlighted with a solid brass band."

You have to see the pipe to believe how this
"solid brass band" enhances the appearance.

Got twenty bucks and a Captain Black white pouch?

I think I'll order the "Helmsman" now.
It costs $21.95, and in appearance sounds like my
two new Ardors (excepting the band).

"Selected from the rarest mediterranian briar.
A light walnut finish, hand rubbed with carnauba
wax and adorned with a silver tone band."

If all this turn out well, someday I may be the
only smoker on Pipes Digest to own a complete
set of Captain Black billiards, bents, and
Canadians in all their grades--an awesome thought!

Smoke (and buy) in peace.

Ralph
Ralph Proctor
Coral Gables, Florida USA

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