I own a small collections of briar that I love. I go through estate offerings mainly to educate myself so when the pipe I actually want comes available I'll be ready, knowledge intact. While looking through Ebay Dunhill auctions, I came across what I believe to be a great learning opportunity.
On the docket was a Shell Billiard dated to what should be 1975. In the description the following statement was made "14K GOLD BAND WITH ROUND SHANK (SHOWS NO SIGN OF BEING A REPAIR BAND)" The following photo showcases this gold band. What the description does not say is that where the shank meets the band is what is left of the size rating and that the pipe has been shortened by half an inch or so.
On these shells you will find the number indicating the size rating. It is supposed to be encircled and followed by the letter "S" for "Shell". You can see in the above photo where that circle has been sawed through leaving what looks like a parenthesis. I have shared a photo via the Pipephil.eu webpage showing the way the markings should look. Whether or not the seller knew of this modification is of course unknown. What I'd really like to know is whether the buyer knew.
If I have misinterpreted these photos PLEASE let me know. I have been given the great opportunity to discuss pipes with some of the well trained eyes here on the forum and I am always looking for more information. The "buyer beware" mentality on the Bay is appropriate but with that said we can help each other understand better what we are looking at hopefully resulting in better buying.
On the docket was a Shell Billiard dated to what should be 1975. In the description the following statement was made "14K GOLD BAND WITH ROUND SHANK (SHOWS NO SIGN OF BEING A REPAIR BAND)" The following photo showcases this gold band. What the description does not say is that where the shank meets the band is what is left of the size rating and that the pipe has been shortened by half an inch or so.
On these shells you will find the number indicating the size rating. It is supposed to be encircled and followed by the letter "S" for "Shell". You can see in the above photo where that circle has been sawed through leaving what looks like a parenthesis. I have shared a photo via the Pipephil.eu webpage showing the way the markings should look. Whether or not the seller knew of this modification is of course unknown. What I'd really like to know is whether the buyer knew.
If I have misinterpreted these photos PLEASE let me know. I have been given the great opportunity to discuss pipes with some of the well trained eyes here on the forum and I am always looking for more information. The "buyer beware" mentality on the Bay is appropriate but with that said we can help each other understand better what we are looking at hopefully resulting in better buying.