Just FYI, if you're thinking of bidding on a pipe from "1876" it's probably actually from 1895 - still very old, but not one of the oldest briar pipes in existence.
For example, this one:
An 1876 date letter would have a round or oval cartouche (background), whereas the one on this pipe has the shape you'd expect for 1895.
For example, this one:
???ENGLISH ANTIQUE PIPE: BBB "W.A.L.Jr."- AMBER STEM - SILVER HALLMARKED 1876 | eBay
Frankly, this BBB from 1876 is as old a briar pipe as you will ever see. Pipes described as unsmoked have been inspected and polished. Mouthpiece Amber with threaded horn tenon Silver band stamped.
www.ebay.com
An 1876 date letter would have a round or oval cartouche (background), whereas the one on this pipe has the shape you'd expect for 1895.