Title edited for caps and brevity.rule 9. Please read.
Mine is stems, namely, OEM with the original maker’s stamps, buttons, etc. No matter how attractive the stummel & how reasonable the price, if I suspect it’s got a replacement stem, I’ll pass. E.g., a Charatan without the distinctive saddle. If there was an inset button that’s now missing, I’ll pass. E.g., BBB. Finally, even if the stem is OEM, if it’s clear that someone got too aggressive with the sanding & polishing so the maker’s stamp is too effaced to take fresh paint, I’ll pass. E.g. Barling. If I know it’s the original stem with a button or deep enough stamp, I’ll accept all kinds of chatter & even bite breaks - that’s what softies are for. So that’s my pipe OCD, & if I’m wrong, I don’t wanna be right.
Added caveat: I suppose I’ve inevitably made exceptions for vintage Danish freehands, since it was always hit or miss if they used maker’s stamps on their stems & without one I certainly can’t eyeball if it’s OEM or not.
Mine is stems, namely, OEM with the original maker’s stamps, buttons, etc. No matter how attractive the stummel & how reasonable the price, if I suspect it’s got a replacement stem, I’ll pass. E.g., a Charatan without the distinctive saddle. If there was an inset button that’s now missing, I’ll pass. E.g., BBB. Finally, even if the stem is OEM, if it’s clear that someone got too aggressive with the sanding & polishing so the maker’s stamp is too effaced to take fresh paint, I’ll pass. E.g. Barling. If I know it’s the original stem with a button or deep enough stamp, I’ll accept all kinds of chatter & even bite breaks - that’s what softies are for. So that’s my pipe OCD, & if I’m wrong, I don’t wanna be right.
Added caveat: I suppose I’ve inevitably made exceptions for vintage Danish freehands, since it was always hit or miss if they used maker’s stamps on their stems & without one I certainly can’t eyeball if it’s OEM or not.
Last edited by a moderator: