Hi lucky695, thanks for checking out my auction and for your questions. Is this the listing you're referring to?
http://www.briarbid.com/phillip-trypis-grade-5-panel-billiard-new-old-stock,name,101244,auction_id,auction_details
If so, I'll try and address your questions:
I just went over to take a peek and I noticed something odd. There was a Phillip Trypis on there... a billiard, NEW... but in the left margin it says. "Pass pipe cleaner:NO". Why would a new pipe not be able to pass a pipe cleaner
This billiard is slightly bent. A pipe cleaner will pass cleanly and easily through the stem and into the shank, where it stops. On investigation it appears that the draw hole from the chamber to the shank intersects the draw hole from the stummel into the shank at slightly higher level than where the initial draw hole stops. Whether this is an intentional attempt to create a moisture trap or not I cannot guess. Regardless, manipulating a pipe cleaner entirely through the pipe from bit to chamber is challenging. I hope that answers the first part of that question for you.
Same auction/sale item it gives all the description... EXCEPT what the pipe is made of... I couldn't find it anyway
Thanks again for the comment and question. I've tried to capture all the information I can about these pipes and have included more information than Briarbid asks for by adding the extra dimensions, markings, etc. in the notes section of the listing. These pipes are all made from Greek briar and were likely carved about 30 years ago.
On all Briarbid pipe listings you'll find the material listed at the top of the listing on the third line of the listing, beneath the Title and the Auction ID # you'll find a line that looks something like this, "Back to home page Main Category: Pipes --> New --> Briar
Thanks for checking out my listing. Please feel free to contact me directly with questions.
-- Pat