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This is a Royal Flush?

(15 posts)
  • Started 1 year ago by hauntedmyst
  • Latest reply from group7
  1. hauntedmyst

    hauntedmyst

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    I've been a big fan of Becker pipes for a long time now. I've never seen one of his rated a Royal Flush before. I have to admit, I'm really disappointed by this one. It just seems so carved up and fails to display the wood in a positive light. I can't help but think of how this looks more Grabow than Becker...granted, the wood work is well done, but I can't imagine putting a Royal Flush stamp on it. Any experience with these before?

    Royal Flush

    A tattoo on a beautiful woman is like graffiti on a Ferrari.
    Posted 1 year ago #
  2. igloo

    igloo

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    Looks like a redneck got Stanwell axe and dremel tool .lol

    “There was an awful suspicion in my mind that I'd finally gone over the hump, and the worst thing about it was that I didn't feel tragic at all, but only weary, and sort of comfortably detached.”
    Posted 1 year ago #
  3. surfmac211

    surfmac211

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    I personally cant stand the spiral engraved wood. I really am not a fan of wood carving for the most part unless its kinda subtle. I understand the difficulty and respect the work put in just not my cup of tea.

    Posted 1 year ago #
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    Anonymous

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    I would have to say that's an expensive Grabow...

    Posted 1 year ago #
  5. chuckw

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    $1700!? No way, Jose!

    I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane.
    Posted 1 year ago #
  6. jonesing

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    One would think "Royal Flush" is the highest grade pipe Becker makes. Apparently not. A basic Royal Flush is defined as straight grain and difficult/inventive shape.

    I'm not sure why you'd want spiral carving on straight grain myself. But then again he's Paolo Becker and I'm building piles of scrap briar in my garage.

    Here's his grading system.

    Clubs (one, two, three, four): Sandblasted
    - Spades (one, two three, four): Rusticated
    - Diamonds (one,two, three, four): Smooth, usually darker stain
    - Hearts (one, two): Smooth, lighter stain; better grain
    - Hearts (three, four): Near Straight grain, some tiny sandspots
    - Four Hearts Elite: Straight Grain, some tiny sand spots
    - Royal Flush: Straight Grain, often a difficult or inventive shape
    - Royal Flush Elite
    - Royal Flush Elite A
    - Royal Flush Elite B
    - Royal Flush Elite C: Becker's highest grade

    I won't see any communication directed to me here. I'm no longer active at this forum.
    Posted 1 year ago #
  7. classicgeek

    classicgeek

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    $1700?!?!

    My brain just fused.

    Simon

    Posted 1 year ago #
  8. raftergtex

    raftergtex

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    My favorite Becker design is only a 2 clubs:

    Posted 1 year ago #
  9. surfmac211

    surfmac211

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    anyone got an example of elite c?

    Posted 1 year ago #
  10. jonesing

    jonesing

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    Rafter:

    That one is "only" five-and-half from Pulvers. What are you waiting for?

    Of course you did just get rid on one on Ebay right?

    Who's next on your great pipemakers tour?

    Posted 1 year ago #
  11. jonesing

    jonesing

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    Uh oh Rafter. Marty just started a 15% off Italian unsmoked pipes sale today. Would put the Becker you love at under $500 closer to 4.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  12. raftergtex

    raftergtex

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    Yes, I just sold a two clubs Becker on ebay, but I bought that as an estate for 150 and sold it many smokes later for 120 or so. As for the one I love, I don't love it $500 worth. One thing about being a pipemaker is that I understand there are a few basics that you need to know, but after that it is all in the name brand. There are plenty of pipes in the $100 range that smoke just as well (including hopefully my own!). Still, I do like to see and smoke some of the well-known names just to confirm my theory. At the moment, I have my eye on a Texas maker named David Jones. He is not as well known but has been making pipes for many years and sells all of them on ebay for very reasonable prices (100-150). Very well respected, and he uses briar that he ages for more than a decade. Might actually get a new one this time.

    Posted 1 year ago #
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    group7

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    Davis Jones makes excellent pipes, usually on the larger side. Most of his pipes he sells on ebay and are very reasonable. I just picked up a large searock type billiard and it smokes great.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  14. pstlpkr

    Lawrence

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    Got a picture Group7?
    I'd love to see it.

    Posted 1 year ago #
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    group7

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    Hey pstlpkr, there is one almost exactly like it on ebay right now. Current price is $53.50 with 2 days plus left. Check it out and let me know.

    Posted 1 year ago #

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