Estate Pipes
ocpunk714
Master
Any articles or tips on how to maintain and possibly rebuild pipes that aren’t great shape? Appreciate anything I can get on the subject.
Comments
https://rebornpipes.com/category/pipe-refurbishing-essays/
Also it pays to explore @PappyJoe's website https://pappyjoesblog.com/
This site had helped me the most when I started to get into estates. Lots of good advice, and a fun part of the hobby to be apart of. Just be prepared to go through a lot of practice pipes before trying your hand on something you really want to add to your collection. Just remember like pipe smoking, restoration takes time and practice; but part of the fun is discovering.
Buying Pipes on eBay
There are two main categories of pipes offered for sale on eBay: new and estate.
New pipes are just that: un-smoked and never sold before. On the other hand, estate pipes are pre-owned and offer a great opportunity to get a very good pipe for half or less of the normal price at retail. These estate pipes can be smoked or un-smoked. Pre-smoked pipes offer the greatest chance at an excellent bargain and, when properly cleaned and sterilized with any potable alcohol, can be truly marvelous acquisitions.
Often you can find exquisite handcrafted pipes made by some of the finest pipe makers in the world at a small fraction of the price on eBay. The standard rule of thumb is that if you have no issues with using restaurant silver and glassware, you should have no problem smoking an estate pipe once it has been properly cleaned and sterilized with alcohol.
The internet is a great boon to the pipe smoking enthusiast hoping to purchase an excellent pipe or locate some rare tobacco. At any given time, there are literally tens of thousands of items under “ pipes” on eBay. However, a huge percentage of them are, if not junk, then at least not to be recommended. Purchasing pipes or anything on eBay can be fun, and the possibilities of finding a bargain on a jewel are frequent, but such purchases are best made with strategy and wisdom.
Here some tips to purchasing pipes on eBay:
1. There are no great pipes for a dollar or two. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Most of the Made-in-China pipes that say “quality” are pure junk.
3. A pipe advertised as "genuine wood" is not a "briar" (see tip #5)
4. Stick with reputable pipe makers if you’re not pipe-savvy. Brands like Savinelli, Peterson, Dunhill, Stanwell and Davidoff will always offer you a great smoking experience if it’s authentic and the pipe is in good condition. Even less expensive brands like Dr. Grabow offer a good introduction to pipe smoking.
5. Look for pipes made from Briar and Meerschaum only.
6. Before buying or bidding, you might be able to research the pipe on various pipe forums and Facebook groups to see reviews and information.
7. There is such thing as counterfeit pipes so be sure you examine the photographs, read the description and determine whether the seller is reputable.
8. Examine the photos and descriptions carefully; look for cracks, charring, teeth marks, discolored stems, etc.
9, When in doubt, ask one of the TPL forum members.
10. Use the eBay search function to narrow down your search.
been checking it out today