Which one of these Tom Spanu pipes?

mattsem · Dec 8, 2015

I know we all have different tastes, but I really like to know which one of these pipes you like more?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c791y3jsl9nf0ob/Screenshot%202015-12-08%2023.29.12.png?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jvbsgfjf5qpto33/Screenshot%202015-12-08%2023.29.58.png?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qk34zbp4jqk9gck/Screenshot%202015-12-08%2023.30.36.png?dl=0
Just cant decide which one to buy

newbroom · Dec 8, 2015

I've had an eye on Tom Spanu's work since I started piping less than 2 yrs ago. I'd read something about him on pipedia and pear wood and that caught my attention. From there I began to see some of his work and to appreciate his skill. Here's one that has a bit o time left on ebay...right now the bid is $63.00 + $5.75 shipping.

edit: I see now that we're looking at at least one of the same offerings.

jvnshr · Dec 8, 2015

3rd one looks nice, but I think it has a flaw on the top of the bowl, no? If yes, I would choose 1st one.

mattsem · Dec 8, 2015

@newbroom

probably suits you more at that shipping cost

im in australia and just the shipping is around 20$

mattsem · Dec 8, 2015

@jvnshr i dont know. does this look like a flaw to you:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2x2ys00i9xothm3/Screenshot%202015-12-09%2000.52.50.png?dl=0

oldreddog · Dec 8, 2015

You won't go wrong, whichever you choose. Mr Spanu makes a fine pipe,I love mine.

newbroom · Dec 8, 2015

Evidently, Mr. Spanu uses a bowl coating and that's merely a piece of the coating that's not straight or missing.

I think.

I'd say that's unsmoked. (I forget the description just now)

stanlaurel · Dec 8, 2015

I vote for the first one. The straight saddle-bit briar billiard.

mattsem · Dec 8, 2015

@stanlaurel

the first one have these flaws on the shank

are these big deal?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/atl945lmpikrnv5/Screenshot%202015-12-08%2019.48.55.png?dl=0

stanlaurel · Dec 8, 2015

They don't look too bad. It all depends on how much you like the pipe and what the asking price is.

mattsem · Dec 9, 2015

its almost 80$

michaelmirza · Dec 9, 2015

I'm most drawn to the one in the second link. Very attractive grain.

lohengrin · Dec 9, 2015

If I were you:
1: Too much common shape and finishing.
2:Fresh. If you don't have olive wood pipes would be a good choice.
3: I don't like finishung and stem, but nice shape and briar.

gogosamgo · Dec 9, 2015

I personally like the second one. It also seems to be the only with no flaws from what I can see in the picture (there is something small towards the top of the bowl, but I'm leaning towards it being a reflection of the light).

mattsem · Dec 9, 2015

Thanks guys, its great to hear your opinions
@gogosamgo

dont you hate it when sellers are not honest about the flaws and expect you to see everything in the photos?!

jkrug · Dec 9, 2015

I really like the second pipe. Olive wood and the slightly bent saddle stem. A real beauty. : puffy

:

okiescout · Dec 9, 2015

foolwiththefez · Dec 9, 2015

I like the second one as well. That horizontal grain is very striking and I love the mild curve.

ejames · Dec 9, 2015

I have no idea what his pipes normally sell for but at $80.00 you ain't gonna find many that are flawless. Would have been nice if you had posted links to where these pipes are being sold. Hard to really judge a pipe from one photo.

Which one of these Tom Spanu pipes?

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