Castello nomenclature is confusing at best. The only constant is inconsistency. I don't get to excited about what's stamped, I either like the pipe or I don't. As it happens I don't usually like GL's. Here is a snippet from a piece by Bob Hamlin that I have archived on paper and on my computer. RIP Bob
Special Castello Series Pipes:
The term "Greatline" is reserved for special Castello pipes,
either freestyle or standard shaped. The Greatline stamp was once
used for only all smooth Collection and above models, but
currently is used on all finishes. If a piece is a standard
shaped model and it has a natural rough top rim (as an example)
or it is extra, extra large it could very well have the Greatline
stamp added to its nomenclature and to its retail selling price.
Most all of the non-standard freestyle pieces, especially those
with good size, have the Greatline stamp added whether they are
carved, sandblasted, smooth Trademarks or "castellos". The very
special pieces are labeled Collection-Greatline and are usually
very good straight grained freestyle pieces.
The term "Fiammata" (flame in Italian) is reserved for the highest
graded straight grains. Fiammatas can be standard shaped pieces,
although they are usually freestyle models and commonly large to
extra large pipes, with or without natural rough top rims.
Fiammatas come in two "basic" models: Collection - Fiammata
(almost always standard shapes) and Collection - Greatline -
Fiammata (usually freestyle pieces). A Collection - Greatline -
Fiammata is the highest graded Castello series, the most expensive
series and by far the most rare. These are the ultimate
collector's graded pieces. Fiammatas are only available in all
smooth models and are usually light colored, although some are two
tone stained.
It should also be noted that any piece that is graded a
"Greatline", or a Fiammata or any combination of these markings
are sub-graded at the factory by price! The Castello price list
(Italian) lists all of these models at their "starting at" or
"starting from" prices. The actual cost/retail can be 2, 3 or 4
times this "starting" price with no additional nomenclature added
to differentiate between a piece that sells for $1,000.00 and one
that sells for $3,000.00. Starting in 1989 Castello added the K
stamp to these higher graded series of Greatlines or Fiammatas.
1K, 2K or 3K added to a collector grade piece (G/L or Fiammata)
changes the starting from point (for price) but does not limit the
selling price to any degree.
American logo'd Greatlines, Fiammatas and Freestyles are similar
to Italian pieces although the prices asked for these are usually
very high. I believe that the European "super graded" Castello
pipe offer a better value and quality in terms of what you will
receive for the price asked. The very highest graded Castello
Greatlines and Fiammatas are seldom seen with American logos.
As of mid-1989 Castello has started to "K" grade Collection -
Fiammata and Greatline models (generally only smooth pieces, but
with any combination of the high grade markings). The base
Fiammata or Greatline grade is 1K with up to 3K's possible. Each K
grade marks a "starting point" or minimum price, but, as explained
in the paragraphs preceding, this does not guarantee much because
all super grades only "start at" their base grade price.
