D & P Pipe Works was owned by D. P. Levitas and located in Sparta, Alleghany County, North Carolina. The company changed its name to Sparta Pipe Works and still later to Sparta Industries.
The plant manufactured the Trapwell pipes.
▲ (Underside)
― Dadson, PAT. N° 240325 ―
― London Made ―
― 41 ―
▲ (Left top side)
― Dadson, PAT. N° 240325 ―
(Left bottom side)
― London England, 11 ―
▲ In 2008-2009 various animals appear on Gabriele Dal Fiume (DG) pipes. They are to emphasize the inspiration, finish and surface of the pipes.
Gabriele's own words in 2012: "These markings are not to be regarded as a precise grading system, but more as a way I express my own thoughts about the design and finish of my work in the particular pipe."
▲ (Underside)
D G (In oval)
[Ladybug]
Italy
Artisan: Gabriele Dal Fiume
Dating: the pipes are generally stamped with the year of production (2 digits) and the pipe's serial number within that year (2 digits).
Grading (from 2005 to 2009):
A: Rusticated
B: Partially Rusticated
SB: Sandblasted
C: Smooth (entry-level)
D: Smooth ( good grain)
E: Smooth (very good grain and/or unique design)
F: "Fiammata" (straight Grain)
Dal Fiume: exceptional pipe (the perfect straight grain). Few pieces are produced a year.