ABOVE PHOTO: On the left is the classic - The Ultimate Pipe Book, 2nd Edition. No longer in print. On the right is one of the few remaining copies of The Ultimate Pipe Video (VHS-NTSF/U.S. format only). This is the Collector’s Edition, 100 minutes long (as opposed to the standard 60-minute version) and only available from the author.

LEFT PHOTO: The Ultimate Pipe Book - 2nd Edition. British Edition. Hardcover. With black and white and color photos, many exclusive to pipes imported to the British Isles. No longer in print. A few copies are still available from the author at $100 each.

LEFT: This is the very first RCH Signature Edition pipe, issued in 2001. It was the first pipe to be officially sanctioned and designed by the author, utilizing very old briar bowls discovered at the Charatan factory in England. The shape is a classic Group 5 saddle bit billiard, sandblasted with a “pre-war” deep double-blast. The bruyére-finished pipe is enhanced by a silver band embossed with the RCH pipe-signature logo, the author uses to sign his books. Additional features include a tapered rim for easy loading and gently curved “button” on the handcut vulcanite mouthpiece to keep smoke away from the tongue. The bottom of the shank, stamped “Richard Carleton Hacker - Signature Edition 2001” is flat so the pipe can stand on its own. Less than 250 were made, so if you find one, grab it.