Possible Old Ben Wade Leeds Second “C. Smith”

[mattia76]

Hello Gentlemen
As the premier go-to forum for all things Ye Olde and Britwood, I submit this for your consideration. It is an old prince that came to me in a lot years ago.

The stamped markings are
C Smith
LEEDS
in a script that very much looks like the old Ben Wade Leeds script Stamps.

I have never seen another C Smith pipe in all my searching and I guess I’m wondering if it is indeed a Ben Wade second. It sure smokes nice.

Working against my hopes is that the other side is stamped, in one long block:
LONDON MADE

On the stem it is stamped
HAND
FINISH

 

[greeneyes]

May we see a photo of the whole pipe (to discern the shape) and a shake number, if present? Thanks

 

[Ahi Ka]

I find the stem stamp most unusual. I’ve heard of Bradley briars (London made petes) with this. It sounds like something civic would do. I can’t recall seeing it before

 

[ssjones]

C Smith is not listed in "Who Made That Pipe", sorry!

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Are you sure its not G Smith? G Smith & Sons was a tobacconist in England that multiple locations. House brand pipes were common.

 

[jguss]

It doesn’t look like a G to me but I agree with the essential point rustie is making, which is that the cursive script seems more likely to be referring to a tobacconist than a manufacturer.

 

[doctorbob]

I have a Hardcastle with the stem stamped 'HAND FINISHED'.