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No
226 - October 1, 2009
NewTobacco Control Legislation
Following are some of the restrictions that concern us, especially in respect of Wesley’s website, and as it may affect cigar dinners:
Definitions:
'advertisement', in relation to any tobacco product, |
| a) |
means any commercial communication or action brought to the attention of any member of the public in any manner with the aim, effect or likely effect of— |
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i) |
promoting the sale or use of any tobacco product, tobacco product brand element or tobacco manufacturer’s name in relation to a tobacco product; or |
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ii) |
being regarded as a recommendation of a tobacco product; |
| b) |
includes product placement, and |
| c) |
excludes commercial communication between a tobacco manufacturer or importer and its trade partners, business partners, employees and shareholders and any communications required by law; |
| ‘tobacco product’ means a product containing tobacco, that is intended for human consumption, and includes, but is not limited to, any device, pipe, water pipe, papers, tubes, filters, portion pouches or similar objects manufactured for use in the consumption of tobacco; |
| Sections: |
| 3 |
Advertising, sponsorship, promotion, distribution, display and information required in respect of packaging and labelling of tobacco products |
| (2) |
No manufacturer, importer, distributor or retailer of tobacco products shall—
a) organise or promote any organised activity that is to take place in whole or in part in the Republic; |
| 4 Prohibitions in respect of tobacco products |
| (5) |
(a) No person shall sell, offer to sell, supply, distribute or buy any tobacco product through the postal services, the internet or any other electronic media.
(b) The prohibition contained in paragraph (a) does not apply to any commercial communication between a tobacco manufacturer or importer and its trade partners, business partners, employees and shareholders. |
Until we have obtained clarity on these points we will have to suspend our “Across the Counter” articles – and we are removing the “BUY NOW” option from all pure tobacco products on the website.
If this affects you, please contact us regarding a stockist of these tobacco products in your area.
Colin Wesley
No.226 October 1, 2009
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
227 - January 11, 2010
Settling Down
We are almost into the second half of January 2010, and with all the excitement predicted for the middle of the year and onwards, it’s good to know that for us and for our customers
a few things are settling down
“Settling down” especially as regards the new Tobacco Control Legislation which came into effect in September/October 2009. We have clarified (with the aid of a Senior Advocate) that although we can’t trade in tobacco products on the website, Pipes and Pipe/Cigar Accessories should be fine. Unfortunately, we are not able to post tobacco products, but we are pleased to say that we’ve been able to arrange legally a supply of tobacco products for most of our “out-of-town” customers from nearby shops. (Contact us if you need details.)
The supply of Zippo lighters has also been settled, and we look forward to receiving plenty of exciting new models. A new range of the slim lighters is already on Wesley’s website, and a new standard size range will be pictured soon. Flints, wicks and fuel are freely available at present.
Talking about “exciting” happenings, we are delighted to tell you that we have been appointed sole distributors in South Africa for Dunhill “White Spot” Pipes and Pipe/Cigar Accessories, including gas and flints. They will be available during February. Watch this website.
Now that things have settled down, we are able to offer you the few beautiful Lorenzo pipes we selected from the factory last year, which arrived just before the hiatus while we clarified the new legislation.
Not only are they beautiful, but the prices are nothing short of ridiculous!
See them under Lorenzo pipes - “Personally Selected”
Certain of the pipes are the pictured items only; a few are examples of the pipes we selected.
Lorenzo “Summa Cum Laude” matt russet finish - R495.00 (one pipe only)
Lorenzo “Valsesia” spot carved finish - R420.00 (one pipe only)
Lorenzo “Dublin Special” spot carved finish - R360.00 (one pipe only)
Lorenzo “Curved” spot carved finish - R420.00 (only 6 pipes)
Lorenzo “Valsesia Medium” rustic/smooth finish - R320.00 (only 3 pipes)
Lorenzo “Valsesia Medium” spot carved finish - R320.00 (only 7 pipes)
Lorenzo “Bent Special” spot carved finish - R360.00 (4 large, elegant bents; not identical)
As usual, the brand “Lorenzo” means that the pipes are well-balanced, well-cured and particularly comfortable in the hand, especially the Valsesia (both sizes).
And as for the Summa Cum Laude – exceptionally light, exceptionally well-formed.
Surprisingly, the “Curved” is a shape new to us – we thought we’d seen all the original Lorenzo shapes. We are very impressed with it, and the fact that it sits.
And from 14 January to 17 February we welcome you into 2010 with
a discount of 25% off Lorenzo “Personally Selected” pipes (while stocks last) |
2010 is a year of promise for South Africa, and we promise to go the extra mile to bring you the best products with which to settle down to the Football and the good life in South Africa.
Colin Wesley
No.227 January 11 to February 10, 2010
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
228 - February 11, 2010
Hi Tech or the Common
Touch
Of course the humidity in your humidor is important!
Indeed it is vital to the well-being of your cigars.
But how important is it for the reading on your hygrometer to be technically exact?
Probably not quite as important as you think.
It is a fact that the simple analog instruments fitted in many humidors will not be spot-on.
So is this a train-smash?
No - your cigars will tell you whether they are comfortable in your humidor.
If the cigars are firm but yielding – not hard, not spongy – they are in good condition. Just feel them.
You know how you like them.
However you must start right with your new humidor.
During the preparation period, the damp piece of cottonwool placed in the humidor will be a good guide – it should stay barely damp (not dry) for the humidity to be right for your cigars.
Don’t put your cigars into the humidor until you’re satisfied that it is damp enough.
Ongoing: You’ve noted the reading on your hygrometer – but actually it doesn’t really matter whether it is 65% or 85% as long as the cottonwool stays damp.
But if it changes from 85% to 65%, or vice-versa, then it is time to take appropriate action.
Put more water onto the humidifier; or leave the humidor slightly open - no drastic changes please.
Check: Do you normally leave the humidor open too long? Is it in a nice, cool place?
Keep feeling the cigars – the common touch will tell you.
If this idea makes you feel uncomfortable, what else can you do?
The simple answer is to add a digital hygrometer to your humidor. If it doesn’t fit into the space allocated for the analog model, just leave the old hygrometer in.
It may give a “belt-and-braces” impression, but you’ll definitely know what’s going on.
Still worried?
Maybe you could just ignore the hygrometer.
Rather consider the humidification system.
With modern technology one can regulate the evaporation rate of water to a set degree of Relative Humidity – in the case of cigars: 70%
Certain chemicals (tasteless and harmless) can be added to ensure that when the ambient Relative Humidity is about 70%, evaporation will stop. Now that means that as long as you keep your humidifier topped up the RH will stay at this optimum 70%
Because of this, modern humidors are sometimes supplied with a humidifier only – no hygrometer.
Paradigm was the leader in this technology. The chemicals are in the system and you only need to top up with water – preferably distilled – every couple of months.
(2016: We now prefer to stock Cigar brand nano bead humidifiers with appropriate models for different size humidors.)
From Savinelli we have “Surface Active Liquid” – odourless, non-toxic, anti-fungal regulator fluid for humidifiers – you don’t have to throw your existing humidifier away (until it gets mouldy**).
**The humidity of ordinary humidifiers offers perfect conditions for mould to grow.
Many Alfred Dunhill “The White Spot” Humidors don’t contain a hygrometer at all – they incorporate a “Humidity Control System”.
Info for the science-minded:
The secret of its originality lies in a physico-chemical solution. The principle is on the creation of a mélange of water and tension-active substances, which limits the potential of the evaporation of the water itself. The humidity of the air is a function of the composition of this mélange. Therefore, the system can control the Relative Humidity of the ambient atmosphere inside your humidor.
What’s all this about Dunhill ???
Just wait a couple of weeks and see.
Now that you know all about Humidification, maybe you could do with a humidor.
We can help
From 18 February to 3 March, 2010
- less 25% on Humidors (Not “FAR EAST”)
If the Dunhill Humidors are ready – we’ll include them in the offer at less 15% |
And for your Humidor – new or existing:
* Stop worrying about the exact degree of Relative Humidity – the common touch can tell you;
* Or, add a little Savinelli Surface Active Liquid regulating fluid to the humidifier water;
* Or, buy a Digital hygrometer;
* Or, invest in a Nano Bead Humidifier (use the discount from the new humidor).
The choice is yours!
Colin Wesley
February 11 to February 24, 2010
PS Keep it cool – nothing is more harmful to your cigars than a temperature above 20ºC
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
229 - February 25, 2010
More  .Pipes
We have just received our most recent order from this especially helpful Italian company.
I say “helpful” because these are the people from whom buying is a process of advice and negotiation – deciding which finishes and shapes offer the best value for the price the buyer wants to pay: “maybe go for a slightly smaller / different bowl”.
In this way we (the buyer) can fill in the price and shape gaps in the range of pipes we offer to you the
pipe smoker; and from the supplier point of view the factory has a more efficient production run.
But the balancing factor for this efficient production is that there is a minimum quantity involved – and this is quite substantial.
It’s therefore a case of “let the buyer be careful” - choose wisely!
Well, we think we have chosen particularly wisely this time.
Two bent shapes (one saddle mouthpiece, one taper) in two finishes (glossy black sandblast and a rich,
true-brown satin finish).
A straight business decision this, as bent pipes are very much in demand in the South African market.
The “wise” part is that this shape was designed at the factory to accommodate either 9mm or 6mm filters, and we chose the popular 6mm option.
For either size the shank is the same - elegant and in balance with the bowl; but choosing the 6mm option means that the bore through the shank is relatively narrow and leaves more wood than usual in the shank of a filter pipe - resulting in a stronger* shank, more able to stand up to the tough Teflon peg.
A further worthwhile result of this choice is that the 6mm balsa filters are less expensive than any 9mm brand – an ongoing benefit for the pipesmoker.
We named the pipes the  6.
Have we chosen wisely in our effort to provide a comfortable, durable shape at a comfortable price - now and ongoing?
Actually, a more than comfortable price now, because –
From March 4 to March 17, 2010 we offer a 25% discount off the
6
Normal prices of the pipes: Smooth R395.00; Rustic R375.00 |
Judge for yourself!
Colin Wesley
No.229 February 25 – March 10, 2010
PS * Remember the standard “warning” – any filter pipe must be smoked with a filter or an adapter to prevent the wood swelling, with a resultant loose mouthpiece.
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
230 - March 11, 2010
Dunhill - The White Spot
The very name “Dunhill” brings with it an aura of excellence and leadership to whichever product it is attached.
This is not surprising given the original doctrine conceived by Mr Alfred Dunhill – a Dunhill product
“Must be useful; Must work dependably; Must be beautiful; Must last; Must be the best of its kind.”
Nothing less!
This demand for perfection is evident in the pipes, the fine leather smokers’ articles, in the superb cigar humidors and in the host of luxury items manufactured under the Dunhill name for smokers and non-smokers alike.
As Wesley’s we have had a long, direct association with Alfred Dunhill Ltd.
Articles in our archived print Newsletters show that Wesley’s was a direct importer in 1968, a sole importer in 1978, a Dunhill Principal Pipe Dealer in 1982 – and still visiting the factory to select pipes in 1992. For the following few years the Dunhill agency in South Africa was handled through the lighter distributor, but now we are pleased to find ourselves back as the sole South African importer and distributor of the “White Spot” range of Pipes and Smokers’ Accessories.
Our first shipment has arrived, and we have a problem.
That is, we have had to consult a thesaurus to find descriptive adjectives other than “beautiful” for every item we unpacked.
The Humidors and Humidification System - Storing cigars in optimum condition thanks to the specially created Humidity Control System; … perfect closure (just a puff as you drop the lid)
The Travel Humidor - “Somebody had a lot of fun designing this!”
The Cigar Cases - Sophisticated styling, with the distinctive white spot – a symbol of perfection
The Cigar Cutters - Razor sharp, smooth action, durable material, a perfect cut
The Pipe Tools - Precision Engineering; Compact and stylish; Practical design
The Pouches - High standard of workmanship throughout, with exceptionally neat stitching
The Pipe Cleaning Accessories- Highly absorbent chenille cleaners, restorative polishes, Silicone cloth to protect the finish of the pipe
The Cigarette Holders - Very slender, finely engineered with a lasting metal thread; Double filtration system
The Lighter Cases –To protect against damage through accidental dropping. Useful!
The Dunhill Flints - Optimum spark with less wear on the flint wheel and less residual dust
The Dunhill Gas – Not only for Dunhill lighters - The purity of Dunhill gas ensures that valves are less likely to clog and malfunction; and the anti-corrosive properties protect all metal parts, thus considerably extending the life of your lighter. Turbo compatible – turbo mechanisms require extra-purified gas.
The Dunhill Pipes – The quality of wood and workmanship: only 5 out of every 100 ebauchons entering the factory leave as Dunhills. Just look at a pipe: see how the line of the shank flows seamlessly into the mouthpiece; feel the smooth inside of the bowl, and the hard rim. No filter – just an aluminium tube to hold the juices. Dunhill pipes were first made before the advent of the flavoured tobaccos. When these arrived on the market Dunhill developed some “filter” pipes (like the Airstream or the Driway) and even paper filters, but they weren’t popular with customers – the traditional Dunhill was still the most in demand.
And still is today…. a Dunhill can be passed on from generation to generation, still retaining its value, its beauty and its “cool, sweet smoking”.
All stock is in Johannesburg at present; you can view the complete range on the website, and enquire at any Wesley’s.
The prices of Dunhill products are indicated by Alfred Dunhill Ltd
for each market worldwide.
However, as an introductory offer only, we are able to offer less 15%
on Dunhill products (other than gas, flints and filters)
This offer runs from 18 March to 31 March 2010. |
We can’t say it better than the words on the US website of El Fumador:
Dunhill is widely known around the world as a manufacturer of high quality pipes, accessories and leather goods. Dunhill products are masculine, inventive, glamorous, worldly, effortless and of ultimate quality.
Colin Wesley
No.230 March 11 – March 24, 2010
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
231 - March 25, 2010
Zippo
| Whichever way |
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| you look at it, |
it is still the |
| same Zippo |
It is the insert of Zippo – the inner secret
– that enables the Zippo company to say on its website: |
‘Zippo has never charged even a penny for the repair of a Zippo windproof lighter. The words of our Famous Lifetime Guarantee read: "Any Zippo windproof lighter, when returned to our factory, will be put in first-class mechanical condition free of charge, for we have yet to charge a cent for the repair of a Zippo Lighter, regardless of age or condition. The finish, however, is not guaranteed.” You are responsible for shipping the Zippo lighter to the Zippo Repair Clinic. Zippo returns the lighter to you at no charge.’
This attitude and commitment has resulted in a brand loyalty from consumers and retailers, unparalleled in the lighter field.
How can Zippo offer such a generous, lifetime guarantee?
It’s simple, because the Zippo lighter is simple: it has only two working parts – the hinge on the casing and the flint wheel on the replaceable insert.
The hinge may occasionally work loose or break, and the flint wheel is sure to wear out with time.
To activate the guarantee you should send (or take) the lighter to the Zippo agents in Cape Town.
Or we can help – bring the lighter to us. If appropriate** we will replace the insert no charge while you wait, and send the old insert to Cape Town for replacement to us. If the hinge is damaged we can send it to Cape Town on your behalf. It will go in a composite parcel so that your contribution to shipping is minimal.
(**Applies only to genuine Zippo lighters – see the branding on the case, and the patent number on the insert.)
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Last year the company distributing Zippo products was changed.
The new company is run by experienced gentlemen from the previous company, and it is business as usual. |
Well maybe not quite as usual – there is a bonus:
because we can offer the Street Chrome finish at only R199.95
– while stocks last. |
And for the period April 1 – April 14 , 2010 we offer a double bonus:
A FREE 125ml can of Zippo Fuel
with every Street Chrome Zippo lighter purchased. |
The Zippo is a perfect lighter for outdoors – think of the bush or the Cape Town winds (try the fan test) – but can you use it to light your pipe or cigars?
Read about Liquid Fuel Lighters in the Archives - the important thing is to pause a few seconds after opening the lid and again after igniting the lighter to allow any fumes to dissipate.
Your Pipe – Any regular Zippo can be converted to a pipe lighter by simply exchanging the insert.
The Zippo range is extensive, with fashion models coming and going, but the true classics never go out of style.
Zippo may not be hi-tech – but for some products, simple is simply best.
Colin Wesley
No.231 March 25 – April 7, 2010
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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No
232 -April 8, 2010
Estate Pipes
The following definition, picked up while we were doing research for our latest collection, sums up very clearly and carefully what most “Estate pipes” are: “An Estate Pipe is just a pre-smoked pipe.Because they're used, all estate pipes are likely to sport a few small dings, a few small teeth marks, bowl edges slightly out of round, etc. - but in most cases their condition is the same as a new pipe after a few smokes. The beauty of the estate pipe is that you can buy a gorgeous, name brand pipe with history for much less than a new pipe!”
However, this time it’s different:
Most of the pipes are from a family collection – many received as gifts and never smoked!
It is a very pleasant coincidence that having recently received our shipment of new Dunhill pipes, we have in this collection 14 Dunhill pipes, 8 of which are un-smoked.
This is an ideal opportunity to compare new and old shapes and finishes.
Also an ideal opportunity for a collector of these fine pipes to add a pipe or two from the past that are no longer produced, and are in mint condition: Dunhill Air-Stream or Driway.
In total 38 of the 50 pipes on offer have never been smoked – so this collection could easily be called “an Aladdin’s Cave” for collectors.
• An Andreas Bauer Meerschaum; • 8 Dunhills; • Simmons Vest Pocket pipe; • Loewe Silver Mount;
• 4 Lorenzo pipes; • Peterson de Luxe; • 4 Savinelli pipes, including 2 Birds Eye; • a Sullivan Powell;
• a couple of Willy Mattner non-standard shapes; • some handmade Stanwells;
topped off with what must be one of the last unsmoked Titan metal-stem pipes from a very limited GBD production way back in the 1970s if my memory serves me right.
Because the real gems will fly out – you’ll have to move quickly. Collectors aside, there is something for any serious pipe smoker to take advantage of in this very exciting collection.
The pipes have been sterilised, cleaned and polished to restore the mature, dignified appearance – like a fine piece of antique furniture, and there are many years of life left in them.
Remember, that when these pipes were produced, they were already 60 years or more in the making. There is no such thing as a good “young briar” pipe.
In “days of yore”, there was no such thing as a “Filter” pipe, at least amongst the higher quality pipes. If you feel the need, just use a bowl filter.
All the pipes have been finished with a Dunhill Silicone cloth which protects the pipe with an invisible film of silicone wax.
The collection will be on the website from April 15, 2010.
Make sure you are on our database – go to Sweepstakes Entry to submit your details
Because if you are, we will email you a link for a special preview. |
All the pipes shown on the website are in the Johannesburg office, Rosebank. If you’re interested in a particular pipe or pipes, they can be made available for you to see through your nearest Wesley’s
And if you’re impressed by the way these pipes have “cleaned up” – take your old favourites to your nearest Wesley’s to be sent for a complete refurbishment – or if the nearest Wesley’s is too far, post them direct to P O Box 52466, Saxonwold 2132. The new pipe repair lady has settled in and is doing a stunning job!
Maybe you prefer a bit of DIY – here’s how: step-by-step instructions.
Colin Wesley
No.232 April 8 – 21, 2010
You can read previous
articles from "Across the Counter" in The
Library.
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