Bit new and I am wondering if I got a good deal or not

[jpmcwjr]

I personally would find a new bowl, and also find out how to best preserve the existing one. I have no idea if they are heat cracks, or stress, or both.

 

[xavkitsune]

the pipe was unsmoked and did not appear to have cracks when I bought it so there is no recouse with the ebay seller.

 

[cortezattic]

I've seen meerschaum calabash bowls for sale in the after market. You will probably not find any Pioneers though.

I would just smoke the thing until it fails -- if in fact it does fail. The bottom tip of those bowls can get real tarry, and that may actually help to keep the bowl intact.