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Brian Ruthenberg began carving pipes part-time in 2001 and moved to full-time production in 2005. Until October 2002 his pipes were stamped with the maker's initials "BAR"; after that date he used an arched "RUTHENBERG" with "USA" and "HANDMADE" set in a straight line beneath it, the two digits in the stamp giving the production year (03 = 2003). The early grading scale, discontinued in 2002, ran in ascending order 04, 03, 02, 01, 00; semi-rustic and rustic finishes are marked R1 and R2, the compass stamp is applied to top-tier pipes with flawless smooth or evenly ring-grained surfaces, and pipes marked "F" for flawed or filled are not offered for sale.