store Founded in 1908 by Edmund Hardcastle, the marque established itself as one of the stalwarts of the mid-price market, noted for sturdiness as much as smokability. It fostered numerous lines, the most popular of which were the Jack O'London and Camden. Dunhill bought half of Hardcastle in 1936 and the other half in 1946. However, Dunhill left well enough alone until merging Hardcastle with Parker, its own sub brand, in 1967. Hardcastle was consigned to being a sub-sub brand, taking on the Dunhill rejects that weren't good enough for Parker.
The Camden, arguably the most popular of the Hardcastle lines, premiered in 1928-29 and breathed its last with the marque in 1967. Dating Camdens is difficult, except for switching its nomenclature from “London Made” to “British Made” likely in the early ‘50s (see pipe historian Jon Guss's discussion here: https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/hardcastle-dating.62322/).
Our Camden is a prime example of Hardcastle's workingman's, no frills pipe making. Solid, utilitarian, unassuming. In short—everything you want a good smoker to be.
Rescue Repairs. Bowl gently topped—no more than 0.5mm—to remove burn mark. Rim stained to match stummel.
VITAL STATISTICS
Length: 5.5”
Bowl Width: 1.53”
Bowl Height: 1.7”
Chamber: 0.83” in diameter; 1.45” deep
Weight: 1.38 oz.
Stummel: Briar
Stem: Vulcanite
Nomenclature:HARDCASTLE
BRITISH MADE
CAMDEN
MADE IN LONDON
ENGLAND
Condition: Used. One small nick on the rim at 10 o'clock. Reamed, cleaned, polished, and waxed. Ready to break in and smoke.
Product code: Vintage Hardcastle Camden Pot store Estate Pipe