Ben Wade Pipe, worth it?

[tbkidwell]

I was in an antique store this past week and saw an interesting freehand made by Ben Wade. It is from Denmark and was marked as a Golden Walnut. It still had a seemingly original stem marked with the BW Crown. From my research it may be of the Preben Holm era, not sure about that one. The issue is I passed this pipe up.
There was some slight burning on the rim of the bowl and the tenon sat slightly loose in the mortise but with no visible damage to either. It was listed for $60 but I'm relatively new to quality pipes so I was unsure if it was a good investment.
It is still available but was hoping to hear some thoughts from some wiser pipe smokers than myself.

 

[lonestar]

Yeah go for it. They are wonderful pipes and the price is fine. The tenon, depending on how loose it is, will probably snug right back up with a couple bowls through it. Now, if the stem is falling out of the pipe it might need some work but its an easy fix.

Golden Walnut freehand pipe is definately going to be Preben Holme.

 

[captainprophesy]

For $60... I agree with lonestar... pick that bad boy up.
oh and make sure to post pics

 

[fnord]

Get it, Kidwell. Today. Call the store and give them your credit card number to put a lock on it until you can bring it home.
Received a pair of Danish Wades a few weeks ago and they're already bumping my Nording/Comoy/GBD for "best damn burner in my collection" honors.
Held og lykke.
Fnord

 

[puffy]

It's not all that easy to find a good smoking pipe for that price.If the pipe isn't damaged it's well worth it.Sometimes though you can get those folks to sell you something for less than it's marked.Try offering $50 and see if they will take it.

 

[papipeguy]

Yep, I have the same model. Go for it; it's a good deal.

 

[tbkidwell]

First of all thanks for the help. I went back to the shop and after looking more closely at the pipe is actually stamped "tawny" it is made in Denmark. I gave $50. So I imagine it isn't a Golden walnut... Hope I didn't shoot myself in the foot. Pictures to follow.

 

[tbkidwell]

Here it is. Needs a bit of cleaning up and reconditioning. The coloration on the end of the stem is from a rubber mouthpiece that was left on the pipe. I'm pleased and excited about my first smoke in this one. Post rehab pictures will follow.

 

[tbkidwell]

Sorry about that. Hope these are better.

 

[tbkidwell]

I think the problem is fixed. Sorry again. Total forum noob.

 

[papipeguy]

These are mine. The one on the left is a Walnut.

 

[tbkidwell]

Wow. Those are beauties. Do they smoke as well as they look?

 

[papipeguy]

Oh yes, they smoke very well, I've had both of them over 35 yeats.

 

[seakayak]

Beautiful pipes all! Every one posted has fantastic personality and they appear to be blessed with good balance as well. Thanks for sharing. And, Kid, buy the Ben Wade

 

[mlaug]

I agree with everyone else, it was a good buy! I wouldn't worry about the lose tenon. It may have been months or years since it was smoked last and likely dried out over time. Getting someone to love it and use it again would be the best fix and likely all it needs.
Besides, the aren't makin' these anymore. 8)

 

[tbkidwell]

Thanks for the insight guys. I am pretty excited about cleaning this bad boy up a bit and adding it to the rotation.