Wallenstein Grading System

Wallenstein pipes completed since the 2006 Chicago Pipe Show come under the grading system described below. The corresponding symbols are stamped or lasered onto the respective pipe. A pearl embedded into the wood is the distinctive mark of the highest quality pipe – “Mermaid“.

This grading system classes a pipe as flawless if no spots or sandpits are visible to the naked eye.

Pipes that come in a driftwood-finish are stamped with "Walle" since the Chicago Pipe Show 2010.
"X" stands for "extra" and equates to a Scallop quality.
"XX" equates to a Crab or Lobster quality.

PRAWN:	wood not flawless, reveals larger spots
CONCH:	wood not flawless, reveals smaller spots  (formerly 2 PRAWNS )
SCALLOP:	smaller spots, good grain
CRAB:	wood virtually flawless, good grain  (formerly 2 PRAWNS )
LOBSTER:	wood virtually flawless, excellent grain
MERMAID:	the perfect pipe!