Dr. Grabow Pipes

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

As I've said, I once had a close relationship with Grabow, and can say a lot about the RJR coupon pipes that Grabow made and sold.

I need some help on the coupon pipes from the late 70's till the late 80's.

Even though I was still working for Grabow, I was lost as far as several coupon offers that were developed while I was at M/C.

Grabow and Mastercraft had coupon offers in Argosy, Amphora, and Borkum Riff.

I remember Douwe Egbert "color", and "x-tra.
Nothing else. Zark-Paw. Now you'll see what "heimers does to you

Can any of y'all fill in the blanks about Argosy, Amphora, or Borkum Riff?

Sir Duke · Guest

I will try. In fact this Rebel Without a Cause will Make it his mission.

Any ideas on a "back door" I might go through at UST to query?
(respond Offline - PM or Email)

I will query those names in eBay.
Douwe Egbert? Explain.
Zark-Paw? ditto

BTW, my money is on Jim to answer these questions. If I can learn a bit more information, at least so I can pose the questions intelligently, I will gladly write to him.

Would anyone in the "Hall of Fame" be able to enlighten us?

Did the pic of the BRiff coupon on the back of Dills cleaners ring any bells with you?

I'm on it ted,

Tom

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Douwe Egbert made Amphora tobacco...and darn good coffee....Sorry

Zark-Paw is our own tamper maker,and wonderer of memory.....Sorry

The offers were discontinued pre 91'. I don't think Jim will know, unless he has tried to resurrect them(what an idea).

I was "in charge" of the "HOF" for the "NATD" for a while. Probably not, unless you mean another HOF.

I've tried everything.....mowed acres.....several of the pipes were copied in the "Luther Marlow Blue Ridge Pipe Smokers Catalogue". I just don't know which went where...

An enormous THANK YOU though

Sir Duke · Guest

Here is an ad from UST in the 70's. Although not directly the coupon offer, I'd bet bottom dollar the pipe pictured is not dis-similar to the Grabow Freehand:

Third pipe from the top is a "borkum riff". Maybe the stamp will jog some memories. (I hope):

May Borkum Riff fill your Grabow and or Mastercraft,

TM

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Sir Duke...My "Ignorance is bliss", and I sure am blissfull. In all three cases..
Amphora, Argosy, and Borkum Riff, a pipe manufacturer preceded Grabow. There are pipes from all 3 tobaccos that are not Grabow, BUT Grabow made pipes for all three. I remember receiving Nording Freehands in Sparta as a redemption for one of these offers....even smoked one for a while.

I "think" the Nording was replaced by the Israeli Freehand.

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Sir Duke · Guest

.. not trying to aggravate ya. The plot might thicken before the mystery unfolds.

Bill Taylor's site has a coupon Amphora coupon which reflects the X-tra tp which you speak. Bill collects "Venturi. The Pipe" which also appears on the coupn.

Also a freehand available on the offer.

http://www.thepipe.info/history/amphora.html?zoom_highlight=amphora

the D.E. Logo is on the bottom Left (Douwe Egberts Royal Tobacco Factory)

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

That certainly answers one question. Venturi made the color pipe for DE Amphora before Grabow. The coupon is EXACTLY what I should, and do,now,remember. Grabow was next on this one. Thanks SD. That's one......

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Sir Duke...Do you know how to see the back side of the Douwe Egbert coupon? It should have pictures of the Freehand, pouch, racks, and most important the X-tra that Grabow copied.

I'm certain now that Grabow made a Color Viscount to replace the Color Venturi. That explanes the "DE Color" that I remember. Thanks.

Sir Duke · Guest