Any non smoking pipe collectors?

[crazyhog]

Hi, I was just wondering if there are collectors out there that dont smoke their pipes. I'm guessing that there are some sellers, but how about hobbyists. Just curious.

 

[pipestud]

It would surprise you how many. An example is the Chicago Show where several non-smoking or cigarette smoking only vendors were selling high grade pipes. Like those who enjoy other art forms, they just appreciate the creativity and artistry of pipes.

 

[mso489]

We've had at least several Forums members declare themselves non-pipe-smoking collectors. We don't seem to hear from them that regularly, perhaps because so many threads relate to smoking itself, but they are certainly out there. I think it is an entirely valid pursuit. People collect snuff boxes who don't use snuff, and similar kinds of collectibles of all kinds. It shows that pipe smokers are drawn into a kind of double jeopardy, the pipe smoking experience while being entranced by the craft of pipe making. Artisan pipes are of course a joy to behold in many cases, but factory pipes are also a great medium for industrial design. Some of the great classic pipe carvers designed for factory pipe makers like Stanwell and others.

 

[mikethompson]

Given how rarely I light up my pipe, I just may classify as a pipe collector. But I am sure there are some, just like there are car collectors who never taken them out for a spin.

 

[mso489]

As moderately as I smoke, my number of pipes exceeds my smoking needs, so though I consider myself devoted pipe smoker, I seem to have a collection that exceeds those needs ... nothing exotic, rare, or expensive, but quite a few pipes.

 

[scottfree]

Much of the craft of the ideal pipe is how well it smokes. I wonder how many artisan pipe makers take that out of the equation knowing that their pipes might not ever get smoked.

 

[stevecourtright]

I met a guy who lived in Vail, Colorado who only collected (high end) Radice pipes. Never smoked 'em. He liked how they looked and was thinking they were good investments.

 

[brian64]

Like those who enjoy other art forms, they just appreciate the creativity and artistry of pipes.

Wait...I thought the prevailing consensus was that a pipe is nothing more than a nicotine delivery device. Now I'm confused again.

 

[didimauw]

8O
Like cups you don't drink out of?
Or pets you don't feed???
What is this world coming to?