Parker: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
no edit summary
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:parker1.jpg|thumb|300px|Estate Parker Select, courtesy, [http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/ Smokingpipes.com]]]In 1922 the Parker Pipe Co Limited was formed by Alfred Dunhill to finish and market what Dunhill called its "failings" or what has come to be called by collectors as seconds. Previuos to that time, Dunhill marketed its own "faillings", often designated by a large "X" over the typical Dunhill stamping or "Damaged Price" with the reduced price actually stamped on the pipe.
[[Image:parker1.jpg|thumb|300px|Estate Parker Select, courtesy, [http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/ Smokingpipes.com]]]In 1922 the Parker Pipe Co Limited was formed by Alfred Dunhill to finish and market what Dunhill called its "failings" or what has come to be called by collectors as seconds. Previuos to that time, Dunhill marketed its own "faillings", often designated by a large "X" over the typical Dunhill stamping or "Damaged Price" with the reduced price actually stamped on the pipe.


In 1936 Hardcastle Pipes Limited sold 49% of its equity to the Dunhill company, and
While the timing and exact nature of the early relationship remains a bit of mystery, Parker was destined to eventually merge with Hardcastle when in 1935 Dunhill opened a new pipe factory next door to Hardcastle, and purchased 49% of the company shares in 1936. In 1946, the remaining shares of Hardcastle were obtained, but it was not until 1967 when Parker-Hardcastle Limited was formed.
at about the same time a new pipe factory was opened at Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17. In 1946 the Dunhill pipe factory in Notting Hill was moved to Cumberland
Road, E13, and in the same year the entire ordinary share capital of
Hardcastle Pipes Limited was obtained.  It was not, however, until 1967 that
Parker Hardcastle Limited was formed, incorporating the Masta Patent Pipe
Company.


It is evident through the Dunhill factory stamp log that Parker and Dunhill were closely linked at the factory level through the 1950s, but the difference was not limited to a few minor flaws that made a pipe destined to be a Dunhill suddenly a Parker. Most Dunhill "faillings" would have been graded out of the Dunhill line after bowl turning, and prior to stoving, curing, carving, bit work and finishing. Due to reducing costs in order to for Parkers to meet their intended price point, they would not have been subjected to the same rigorous process and care as the Dunhill production was.  
It is evident through the Dunhill factory stamp logs that Parker and Dunhill were closely linked at the factory level through the 1950s, yet it was much more than a few minor flaws that distinguishing the two brands. Most Dunhill "faillings" would have been graded out after the bowl turning process exposed unacceptable flaws. This was prior to stoving, curing, carving, bit work and finishing. In others words, very few Parkers would be subjected to the same rigorous processes and care as pipes destined to become Dunhills. Only those that somehow made it to the end finishing process before becoming "faillings" enjoy significant Dunhill characteristics, and this likely represents very few Parker pipes.


After the war, and especially after the mid 1950s the differences between Parker and Dunhill became even more evident, and with the merger of Parker with Hardcastle Pipe Ltd, in 1967 the Parker pipe must be considered as an independent product. There is no record of Parker ever being marketed by Dunhill either in it's retail catalog or stores.
After the war, and especially after the mid 1950s the differences between Parker and Dunhill became even more evident, and with the merger of Parker with Hardcastle Pipe Ltd, in 1967 the Parker pipe must be considered as an independent product. There is no record of Parker ever being marketed by Dunhill either in it's retail catalog or stores.

Navigation menu