I recently acquired an estate Castello Epoca in the rare "rock" style that was listed on ebay. The pipe was described as in near-mint condition and in particular that there were no modifications. (See screenshot.) The pipe was overpriced and sat for several weeks before the vendor and I agreed on a price. The pipe had an army mount and looked to be in excellent condition but I came to the conclusion that the stem was a replacement. Although it was an excellent reproduction and had the typical white insert, it lacked the nomenclature and convexity at the shank end that all genuine Castello stems have. The stem also didn't draw well and I discovered that the opening of the airway was a pinhole instead of the usual slot. (See pics.)
If I was only interested in the pipe to smoke, I might have lived with the replacement stem. Because it had been priced as a collectible, I couldn't keep it. Fortunately, the vendor was willing to honor his pledge to accept returns but, presumably because he's located in Italy, he refused to reimburse the shipping. No big deal. I'm only out of pocket about $80, which is a fraction of what I paid. The vendor has a good reputation and I have no idea whether he knew whether the stem was a replacement. But I thought I should recount my experience here because the pipe will almost certainly be listed on ebay again. Caveat emptor.
If I was only interested in the pipe to smoke, I might have lived with the replacement stem. Because it had been priced as a collectible, I couldn't keep it. Fortunately, the vendor was willing to honor his pledge to accept returns but, presumably because he's located in Italy, he refused to reimburse the shipping. No big deal. I'm only out of pocket about $80, which is a fraction of what I paid. The vendor has a good reputation and I have no idea whether he knew whether the stem was a replacement. But I thought I should recount my experience here because the pipe will almost certainly be listed on ebay again. Caveat emptor.