My Home for Unwanted Pipes

tuold · Feb 27, 2014

A lot of times I'll put a bid on an Ebay pipe just because the auction is ending and nobody else has shown any interest. The Medico "Casino" in the back I was not surprised to get. It goes right into the "Sell Later" drawer.
The Dr Grabow "Starfire" was a pleasant surprise to win with a $7.00 bid. It's in very good shape, came nicely cleaned and smokes really well. This is my second older Dr Grabow. I'll definitely be looking out for more of them.
I wonder why they seem to be so underrated and overlooked?

gtclark · Feb 27, 2014

That's a very handsome pipe! Great find! I think a lot of people search names, rather than pipes on e-bay, myself included. I rarely search for Dr. Grabow pipes because it usually turns up lots with pipes I don't particularly want. However, you've inspired me to pay better attention!

mso489 · Feb 27, 2014

I think some of the Dr. Grabow line are distinctly underrated. The Royaltons for example, even now. I think you

will do well to scoop these up when you can, for next to nothing. I bought Petersons new when they didn't cost

so much, and I'm pleased with that.

frennchy11 · Feb 27, 2014

I have a Grabow Starfire that I picked up at an antique store. It is my favorite smoker and my go to. It also looks a lot like yours there but in a traditional dublin shape.

lurch76 · Feb 27, 2014

Nice pipes. I always look for the classic American brands when I am pipe hunting. I cherish them as much as I do my 1933 Dunhill. Most of my collection is older Grabows, Kaywoodies, etc..

petes03 · Feb 27, 2014

Those are both great looking pipes, I wouldn't mind owning either of them!

tbradsim1 · Feb 27, 2014

Two very nice looking pipes, and such a steal.

jeepnewbie · Feb 27, 2014

I personally just search pipes then adjust the filter to try and get rid of the head shop crap. I found a few pipes like this that I bought.

fadingdaylight · Feb 27, 2014

Hmm, never put much thought into Grabows. You have officially opened my eyes. That is a really good looking lovat.

jah76 · Feb 27, 2014

Ditto on the Grabows. I've been really happy with my Starfire and Viscounts.
Enjoy!

tuold · Feb 28, 2014

Frennchy11, You've reminded me to check the local antique shop this weekend. I got my first Grabow there, this "Tru Grain":

Eight bucks for that one and NO shipping :D
They really seem to be good ol' pipes. Not sexy or stylish, but just plain quality. I think I'll go out to the cave and fire that one up now.

cynyr · Feb 28, 2014

I have two Grabows. One is a Crown Duke filter pipe that always satisfies. The second is my current favorite pipe...
It's a generic Grabow pot shape, marked "9711". I bought a junk lot of pipes last year, and this one was stuffed in the bag. Took a long time to clean it up, but I was sure with the thick walls and the well-loved look that it would be a good smoker - and it turned out to be a great smoker. It takes everything I throw at it with nary a gurgle, and really shines with a mild VaBur, like Charlemagne.
Don't reject a well-constructed pipe just on the imprint!

12pups · Feb 28, 2014

Nothing wrong with Grabow by brand, that's for sure. I do have one I don't prefer. It's a freehand with a cone-shaped bowl I think they carved too thin toward the bottom. Great smoke at first, but then gets warm, warmer, sizzling hot -- even if you're only sipping at it.
But my favorite is another Grabow freehand with a more pot-shaped bowl. Just fine. The are big draft pipes. Little puff, big clouds -- which I contrast with my little Kaywoodies. I like my Kaywoodies, but those are "commuting" pipes. Narrow drafts, no clouds to risk even a slight distraction. Burn cool and sweet because of the stinger.
Call me cheap, I guess: Grabows, cobs and Kaywoodies are my favorites. Though when my Savinelli gets back from Laudisi we might revise that.
Nothing wrong with a Grabow.

12pups · Feb 28, 2014

Tuold --
Give you $10. And pay for shipping.
(purty please?)

ejames · Feb 28, 2014

I have two Grabows. One is a Crown Duke filter pipe that always satisfies. The second is my current favorite pipe...
It's a generic Grabow pot shape, marked "9711". I bought a junk lot of pipes last year, and this one was stuffed in the bag. Took a long time to clean it up, but I was sure with the thick walls and the well-loved look that it would be a good smoker - and it turned out to be a great smoker. It takes everything I throw at it with nary a gurgle, and really shines with a mild VaBur, like Charlemagne.
Don't reject a well-constructed pipe just on the imprint!

CYNYR, what shape is that 9711? I can't find that shape number on any of my Grabow charts,but they are not 100% complete. Whatever it is,it is probably pre 1950. Got a pic?

Tuold,I can't see the stem logo on your Tru-Grain but I'd say it is also pre-1950.

ststephen · Feb 28, 2014

Ya know, I've got many cheap pipes- but no Grabows, and nothing that's American. I'll buy a Grabow now if I can hold it in my hands first. You Grabow nuts would do well to check out Euro 2nds- particularly Italians. I've never had one I did not like. I've got a great Mexican Dublin which was a basket deal- took a gret deal of time to break in but it's as good as anything I have, even if the draw is tight. Are these Grabows you guys have filtered or not?

moonman · Mar 2, 2014

I am also guilty for shopping for brand name assuming that they will automatically be good smokers. Think I will give the Grabow's another look. I have to admit I am attracted to some of the styles. Smoked them many years when dubbed just a cheap pipe.

lurch76 · Mar 2, 2014

I always thought of them as cheap drugstore pipes too until I started getting some of the older ones. If you can find any of the Sculpturas, Viscounts, Westbrooks, etc.. Very good smokers and well made.

tuold · Mar 2, 2014

12pups wrote:

Give you $10. And pay for shipping.
(purty please?)

Here's a better deal. Let's go down to the antique store and I'll give you first pick from the litter! :D

I do have one I don't prefer. It's a freehand with a cone-shaped bowl I think they carved too thin toward the bottom. Great smoke at first, but then gets warm, warmer, sizzling hot -- even if you're only sipping at it.

I have observed this as well. I'm not so interested in the newer production models.I've got two Masterson freehands of similar design that I prefer much more than the Grabow freehand.
The older ones I have are large pieces of briar but are very light. (Maybe due to aging?) Plus, they have the "stinger" contraption and not the paper filter.
ejames wrote:

Tuold,I can't see the stem logo on your Tru-Grain but I'd say it is also pre-1950.

The stampings are: "Dr. Grabow" in large letters over "TRU GRAIN" in smaller letters.

On the bottom of the shank is stamped: "PAT NO 1896800" The bottom of the bowl has: "Pre Smoked" in cursive and :REG US PAT OFF"
Thanks for the info! A lot my pipes were probably once smoked by "The Greatest Generation" guys. I get a good vibe when I look over the collection and I hope I'm doing a little bit to preserve that small corner of American life gone by. (And maybe relive it in a sort vicarious way)

rangerearthpig · Mar 2, 2014

I would be happy to own either of those pipes. I'd say you scored!

My Home for Unwanted Pipes

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Starting to Get Obsessed

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lurker

Starting to Get Obsessed

Starting to Get Obsessed

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now