A pipe I am interested in - need educated opinions pronto!

[numbersix]

Okay, I don't have much money to spend, but curious about this pipe - a Peterson Pre-Republic:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IRISH-ESTATE-PIPE-PETERSON-260-DUBLIN-LONDON-/370632951513?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D1468701604520062094%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1017%26rk%3D1%26#ht_500wt_1120
The asking price seems high, but I could always make an offer.
I know it's a risk drawing everyone's attention to it but I trust this forum. I've heard good things about Peterson's from this era - sorely tempted to buy but would love to hear opinions. If I lose it, I will just have to make my peace with it. :crying:
TIA!

 

[kabong30]

Seems high, and i think I've seen that pipe before so I think it's been on the 'Bay for a while.

 

[topd]

The photo's the seller has posted look like they came from a catalog, not of the

actual pipe. Beware.

 

[keith929]

+1 TopD

 

[numbersix]

Thanks for the opinions so far - I don't want to be foolish and jump the gun.
I can see the inscriptions on the pipe, so I think the photos are legit but the price is way out my reach, that said, I've made offers before on ebay and got prices down. Anyone able to venture a guess on how much it would be worth?

 

[jpberg]

What inscriptions can you see? I would ask the seller what exactly the pipe says. If a Pete says "Made in Ireland", most sellers aren't shy about saying so, and showing it off.

 

[numbersix]

That's the price I was thinking - more like $75, but I really have no idea how rare a pipe like this is... Unfortunately, there are no pipe shows that come even close to where I live, so getting a pipe like this seems rare.
And the pipe has the lines I love - very classic.

 

[numbersix]

I can make out the number "260" and the "London-Dublin" on the side. As the seller says, it's worn down, but still visible.

 

[jpberg]

If it is a Pre Republic Pete, the asking price is reasonable. But if it was clearly a Pre Republic Pete, someone would own it by now. I agree with some of the above posts, hang on for now.

 

[numbersix]

@jpberg

If it is a Pre Republic Pete, the asking price is reasonable

That's interesting to hear.

 

[jpberg]

Well, there is a big difference between "London - Dublin" and "Made in Ireland"! There are lots of "London-Dublin" pipes that are post republic. That pipe, labeled "Made In Ireland, wouldn't last a minute with a "buy it now" of $250.

 

[john218]

I would expect some bite marks on a pipe that old, unless the stem was replaced.

 

[numbersix]

I really want to thank everyone here for their advice - I took each opinion seriously and appreciated each one greatly. Anyway, I decided to take my chances. I placed an offer, we dickered back and forth. I was able to get it for $105. I could not afford to go higher and I guess he needed a sale.
Ebay sometimes gets a bad rap (and years ago there were problems), but I've had pretty good success on ebay with sellers who have good reviews. Ebay sellers really rely on positive reviews, so they do have something to lose if they cheat. Plus ebay offers protection from scammers.
My biggest concern right now is if it's been messed with too much but he offers a 14 day return policy and I believe he'll honor it. If it's everything he says it is, I should have a fine pipe. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again to all. ::

 

[gmwolford]

Hehe I looked at it and it was gone and thought "6 pulled the trigger" guess I was right! LOL. Let us know what you think when she arrives.

 

[choppa]

Keep us updated and post some pictures when you get it!

 

[jpberg]

I think 105 is fair enough.

 

[numbersix]

@gmwolford You were right!
@jpberg Cool - good to know.
I've been on a search for a classic billiard with a straight shank like this one but was having no luck—this pipe not only came closest to what I've been searching for, but it's also from the 1940s (I pretty much love anything from the '40s). And if it's indeed a collectible Peterson, so much the better.
I hope to get it soon and will report back ASAP.

 

[cigrmaster]

6, congrats on your purchase. I do not think that seller would claim it is a pre-republic if it were not, he does have a great rep. I bought a couple of pipes from him, just make sure you check the shank for dirt before you smoke it, I had to clean mine pretty good from him.

 

[goldflinger1]

Looks nice! Enjoy the heck out of it!

 

[numbersix]

I rec'd the pipe and here's the low-down...
It is indeed a pre-republic (Made in Ireland is stamped on the stem). It's in perfect condition all the way around, but, it appears to have a burn mark. I did try smoking it last night as a test, faired very well - a top notch pipe,
By sheer coincidence, when I was going to search for pipe mud to repair the bowl on the inside, the top post today was about using pipe "cement".
On another note, I have mixed feelings about the seller (who specializes in pipes). I cannot imagine how he did not see this, but it wasn't disclosed.
At the same time, he offers a 14 day return policy, so if he honors it, I can forgive the omission. The only issue for me is, I still really like this pipe and think I may keep it anyway. If I do - any suggestions on how to repair this mark? I did try rubbing it off a bit, to no effect.
I honestly think I can live with it as is - it's not as noticeable as these photos suggest and the pipe is otherwise perfect.
I am ready for your comments... :puffpipe: