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

[chopz]

yet another reason for me to avoid ebay.

 

[numbersix]

Actually ebay is a good resource, but you do have to be careful. I will often mark things to "watch", without bidding. ebay is very clever in that they alert you when the bidding will close soon on a watched item - and damn if I don't sometimes feel the need to bid when normally I would have been fine to let it go.
But that said, this was one pipe I really wanted - so not all bad...

 

[meerschaumsteve]

Although I think the seller was a bit dirty to hide the burn mark, I think you just need to decide if the mark is enough to make you not want the pipe.
If its a rare pipe, or exactly what you were looking for in every way except that blemish, might be still worth keeping. I would however, not leave a good feedback. Probably a neutral, the seller did conceal damage on the pipe, so I see that as dishonest.

 

[numbersix]

I am going to write him and let him know the situation. For me, the pipe is worth keeping if the mark doesn't hurt the integrity of the pipe (but that's the $100 question)
Will keep you up to date with the outcome.

 

[gwtwdbss]

Maybe see if he would do a partial refund for not disclosing the burn mark since you like the pipe? That's the least he could do since it will cost him to pay shipping both ways. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[keith929]

Considering the location of the burn you should be careful at this point. Is it only a surface burn or is it a sign that the burn is internal(a sure sign of burn through) ?

 

[numbersix]

Yeah, I am pretty sure it's a burn through. I just emailed the seller, will see his response.

 

[numbersix]

We probably didn't notice the burn mark when we posted it. I apologize. Almost always a burn mark on the shank is exterior (such as a cigarette burn) and will not put the pipe or its shank at risk. I suggest you go ahead and enjoy it for a week, and if you decide to return it for any reason at all, do so and we'll issue a full refund even though you've smoked it. Do not keep it unless you are 100% satisfied with it in every regard.

I was hoping for a response like this - so I am good. Still unsure what to do, but at least I have a week to decide.

 

[numbersix]

Is there a way to determine for sure? I tried it and it smoked perfectly well - didn't notice any problems. If it is a burn-out, what would happen to make it unsmokeable.

 

[bentmike]

Yeah just my two cents but if I was going to spend a Benjamin I'd be buying a new Pete.

 

[numbersix]

This entire situation is frustrating.
My perfect pipe is exactly like this pipe: 6" plus, perfectly straight shank billiard. The fact that this is 70 years old, etc., only makes it more appealing. And I have looked for a pipe like this and believe it or not - it doesn't exist. Those that come close either cost $700+ or are too short, etc.
@rothnh - true, the location is at the bottom of the bowl, near the air hole. I can see inside and I see no charring - looks ver ysolid actually. it is possible I suppose that it's a exterior burn, but I would have expected more of it to rub off. If I do keep it, I will probably put a layer of pipe mud or cement on the bottom for added protection.
Well, I will update you guys next week - no matter what I decide, I really appreciate the input.

 

[numbersix]

@numbersix IMHO if your going to lay out that kind of money, you need to buy your pipes in person. You are a very discerning person and you should receive what you want. You have not been happy purchasing off eBay. Maybe time to try another avenue.

Well, that's totally true, but I live in the sticks. It's either online or nothing.
And actually, I am still enjoying the process. Not seeing it in person means that I may have to send something back, or sometimes take my chances, but I see this as the price I have to pay for having a world of pipes to choose from - rather than a single store with 15 pipes (which is what I've got - and even that's an hours drive away)
>>On an entirely different note, this whole experience with pipe smoking has been great in that regard. Even with the purchase issues, it's been great. We were flooded out of our home last year - we were homeless for 6 mos - and we're still rebuilding and will be prolly for another year. Been very stressful - and so focusing my attention on pipes, looking for pipes, etc., etc. has been very therapeutic. Something to occupy my mind instead of non-stop worry.