Dr. Grabow Pipes

Flycruiser · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:03 pm Post subject: Golden vs. Grand

I'm looking to order a pipe from the factory to replace my long lost first pipe. I can't remember if it was a Grand Duke or a Golden Duke. From looking at the www.drgrabow.net I can't tell the difference. What is the difference? Is one a filter pipe and one not? Is one bigger than the other?

LokoMac8 · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:21 pm Post subject: Re: Golden vs. Grand

Flycruiser · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:25 pm Post subject:

I bought it new in 1999. If I remember correctly it was more of a matte finish, or at least I don't remember it being lacquered. It was a pot and a filter pipe as well, which as you said could be both.

steverino · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject:

Wesley, in looking at the current offerings on a couple of web sites, I can't really see much difference in the two. Couple or three dollars in the price. If you haven't already seen these links, take a look:

http://www.wvsmokeshop.com/

http://www.lilbrown.com/entity/ta...ryid/16/sename/pipes/default.aspx

The pictures on the lilbrown site seem to show that the Golden Duke has more grain pattern than the Grand Duke. wvsmokeshop looks similar.

BWThomas · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:55 pm Post subject:

I have some stamped Golden Duke and Grand Duke from that era. The Golden Duke were predominantly birdseye grain with no noticible fills. The Grand Dukes had fills and some straight grain . I guess the golden duke was considered a better quality pipe.

I really wish Grabow would go back to stamping line names and shape numbers.
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BWThomas

Flycruiser · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys. I think I'll be going with a smooth Golden Duke. Man, I miss my first one.

drbridges · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:06 pm Post subject:

Fly, I believe the difference between the 2 now is the stain. GRAND DUKE will have a uniform dark brown stain. GOLDEN DUKE will have a variegated golden stain that accentuates the grain. I don't know if DG selects blocks for particular lines.

BWThomas · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:08 pm Post subject:

The Royal Dukes from that era had the matte finish. Most of them also did not have any metal at the fitting. This still seems to be the case, at least with the offerings at the link Steve posted and here:

http://www.wvsmokeshop.com/royalduke.aspx

I've got a couple of these examples that were purchased late 90s.

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BWThomas