What Should I Expect To Pay For A Dunhill?

randelli · Dec 4, 2016

I have a few weeks left to grab a birth-year Dunhill while we are still in my 50th calendar year. The trouble is, I have no understanding of the values of the Dunhill pipes, and what a pipe should be priced at. When you see them range from $125 to $8000 it gets confusing. Pipe values are relative anyway, and run in cycles I guess, so how is one to know.
See, I don't want to spend what I think they should sell for, and I suspect something is wrong when they are priced in my comfort zone. Can someone sum up a couple of quality points to look for and a decent range for pricing? That way I can know when they are priced too far one way or the other.
[texas_voice] pre-shate ya! [/texas_voice]

warren · Dec 4, 2016

I'll chime in: The buyer sets the price and you determine the value. I do not think you can get a rigid answer to this question. The only advice I can offer is to check the going prices of similar pipes to get a perspective of the market this week. To me, if I was to buy on-line, what matters most would be the return policy or the seller and the opinions of others who have dealt with the vendor. If I couldn't return a pipe for any conceivable reason, with a prompt refund, I wouldn't consider a purchase.
I would also strongly weigh the presentation , the quality of the photos, when making such a decision. Values fluctuate of course so, in the end, it's the value you put on the item and not what others do.

dmcmtk · Dec 4, 2016

Well, my first question would be what is your comfort zone? After that think shape and finish. Prices...condition, condition, condition. Think also about a reputable seller. 1966 is going to be an estate, so as with all estate pipes, condition, condition, condition......did I already say that? :wink:

ashdigger · Dec 4, 2016

Great comments and guidance.

randelli · Dec 4, 2016

Well I would love to find lne for $125 - $175 that was not too beat up. I'll take a look at some vendor pages and see what pops.

pagan · Dec 4, 2016

A few under $100, condition to be determined by buyer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dunhill-Shell-Briar-NO-60-1-With-Sterling-Collar-Patent-No-/132018967617?hash=item1ebcf19441:g:BD8AAOSw4GVYNNDB
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dunhill-Shell-pipe-/232164114061?hash=item360e0f3e8d:g:1dMAAOSwnHZYRE4L

mikestanley · Dec 4, 2016

A lot depends upon the particulars. A 1966 Dunhill comes in many flavors. Standard shape Shells and Tanshells in group 2 or 3 are not too expensive. A larger group, desirable shape or a Root finish with a nice grain will command more.
Mike S.

mso489 · Dec 4, 2016

I'm not a Dunhill owner, but I've noticed a distinct price break on Dunnies with replacement stems. I wouldn't get anything with bad reaming or briar repair. If you want an original stem and good condition otherwise, I think you are getting to the $200-$300 range, and more toward the top of that, depending on size and finish.

saltedplug · Dec 4, 2016

On pipe sites that sell estate Dunhills anything worth owning is $350.00-$450.00. From the standpoint of history, Dunhill is impeccable, but they usually go for twice the price than non-Dunhill pipes that are comparable. I don't bite.

Chasing Embers · Dec 5, 2016

Dunhill is impeccable

I wouldn't go that far, as I had a new one that was a lemon, but all above is true. Any worth having are going to be $200+.

davet · Dec 5, 2016

Far too much :nana:

mso489 · Dec 5, 2016

I like English pipes, and I like the Dunhill look, but I find the pricing offensive. If I want to pay a little too much, I'd go for an Ashton or a Ser Jacopo (not English obviously). There are so many superior artisanal pipes, I'd rather support those artists. Many of those pipes are even under $200.

disinformatique · Dec 5, 2016

A good Dunhill depending on which year you were born in can cost you about $300 to $1000.

alexnc · Dec 5, 2016

You have to watch Dunhills on eBay. I had the Dunhill bug and thought I figured out 1 was a fake by the markings- cancelled it before it shipped, 1 had a horrible ream job - returned it, 1 was reamed badly and worked to death with obsidian oil - returned it. Finally got a great one in fantastic condition for $210 - 71 shell briar.

disinformatique · Dec 6, 2016

@alexnc I hear you, my "First" Dunhill was for $50 and I thoght wooohoo I got a Dunnie for free but the good folks at the forums pointed out to the replacement stem, the badly glued shank split and the over-reamed bowl. After that I wisened up and got some good deals on Dunhill pipes.
Here's my Cheapest $50 Dunhill in all its glory.

$50 1991 Dunhill Collecter HT (big crack on the side of the bowl but silver cap would help)

$100 1953 Dunhill Root Briar 576 Group 1 (repaired minor crack on the bowl and replacement stem)

$300 4108 (Year 2000) - with box and other ephemera

$300 1956 Dunhill Tanshell Gr. 3

$400 Dunhill (1933 Vernon Tenon)

Chris :puffpipe:

mso489 · Dec 6, 2016

The root briar seems an especially shrewd buy. You've worked at it and gotten good values, I think.

randelli · Dec 6, 2016

I like the root briar and the 4108 the most out that collection! I'm looking for a 1966 so it narrows it down a bit. Of course, if any of you have one....

scrooge · Dec 6, 2016

Kinda related to this thread. How do you figure out the exact year a pipe was made? Is it really that exact? Or within a few years.

scrooge · Dec 6, 2016

bump

puffermark · Dec 7, 2016

@ scrooge. Dunhills are probably the only brand where all pipes (not just those with hallmarked silver or gold bands) can be pretty accurately dated down to the year. They have gone through some transitions, but from the 50's the year of manufacture is indicated by a digit/s stamped after the "D" in MADE IN ENGLAND. I think it is this that makes them more collectible than most.
As to value, I guess it's down to the old adage: A pipe is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Naturally, if it's a birth year (for you) this ups the ante.

What Should I Expect To Pay For A Dunhill?

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