In 1863 a young man named Frederik opened a shop in Mansell Street, London. From here he began to carve Meerschaum Pipes. These gained popularity very quickly and Charatan moved to a bigger workshop in Prescot Street. Here he began to make the Briar Pipes that made the company world famous. On the retirement of his father in 1910 Reuben took over the family business and the business was wholly owned by the family until 1960.
Over the years the company diversified, producing other high quality smoking products such as cigars. To this day Charatan tobaccos are still in demand.