Each Mariner Freehand pipe is signed, dated and numbered with price and other information. The coding system is: first digit(s) = retail price code; first letter = import date of briar used in pipe, or in some cases, special series of pipes; letters(s) after first letter = codes describing special features of the pipe; end numbers = serial number within the series designated by the first letter. Example

HS = 1945 Ebauchon*

L = 1979 Ebauchon

E = 1976 Plateaux

K = 1982 Plateaux**

F = 1979 Plateaux

M = Long-stemmed two piece ***

S = Small pipe***

• *These Pieces of ebauchon were bought at the end of WWII from Italy by a returning soldier. In the late 70 s I bought 300 pieces from him and there are only 150 left.
• **K series pipes lower than serial number 70 are made from 1976 briar
• *** Various import years Example

Example: Pipe 10E68 would be a $200 pipe, the 68th made from 1976 briar. 11EBXC69 would be a $178 pipe, the 69th made from 1976 briar and has one or more bridges, a flush-fitting stem and a cocobolo shank.

Any Mariner pipe that burns out within six months from date of purchase due to flaws in the briar will be replaced to the greatest extent possible, with a pipe of similar style and value. Burnouts due to improper smoking habits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Burnouts caused by flaws generally go through in one spot, those caused by improper smoking habits (puffing too frequently causing far too much heat) are characterised by charred wood all around the inner circumference of the bowl.