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As I wrote in my last blog, the pipe community lost an immeasurably valued member on January 28th, 2020. John Harden, known as Matches860 on YouTube, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 64. In Tribute to John, I've been in contact with Savinelli to create a limited run Matches860 pipe. The pipe will begin as a standard Roma Lucite 673 (since 2 of John's current 5 Friday Savinelli's were this model, and it was featured the most prominently in John's own video, "The Friday Savinelli Tree"), with the only variation being the commemorative stamping on the bottom, which will be stamped "Matches860" along with a numbering of however many we are able to commission, to be determined at the end of the preorder time period. It will also be stamped, "The Friday Savinelli." As is the case with the standard Roma Lucite pipes, no two pipes will be exactly the same, having slight variations in the rustication, the briar grain pattern on the smooth-finished rim, and the swirl of the caramel-amber translucent stem. Regardless, to those in the know, this pipe will always be unmistakable. ***$10 from the sale of each preorder will be donated in John's memory to his wife, Jean Harden, on behalf of the pipe community.*** Click the picture below to take part in the preorders. If you live within the state of Florida, or outside of the USA, send me a message using my "Contact" page, and I'll send you an invoice. I've opened up shipping for this particular pipe to all of John's fans and friends around the world. This is a preorder, which will run until March 1st, 2020. I'll order as many extras as I can, but please place your preorder now to ensure you will receive a pipe in this limited run. Once preorders are complete, I will commission the production. From that point, my best estimate is that you will receive your pipe within 3 to 6 months' time. Any additional items placed on the same order will not be shipped until all items are in stock. Once these pipes arrive, orders will be filled in the order they were received. Thanks so much for helping to make this happen! Keep 'em lit, Eddie Gray  As many of you know, we lost one of the pipe community's greatest members last week: John Harden, better known as Matches860 on YouTube and other social media, passed away unexpectedly. He was just 64. John was a gentleman, an ambassador for pipe smoking, and my treasured friend. I'm so glad I had the chance to write back and forth with him over these past 5 years or so, as well as mutually record Video Responses for one another on our respective YouTube channels, and even share a couple of livestreams together. But such are the times we live in, that I'll always regret I was never able to meet my dear friend in person. If you didn't know John, you're in for quite the initiation! Just click the picture below to peruse his YouTube channel, and enjoy. The community loved his Friday Night Livestreams these past couple of years, but his tobacco reviews and story videos are a treasure trove that thankfully, we'll have for the foreseeable future. Rest in peace, John...there is no replacing you! -Eddie  |