I have the opportunity to buy 12 Blatter Corsican briar pipes custom made in the 70s and 80s. The owner is asking $2000. Pipes are in great shape and beautiful. I have no idea what pipes like this are worth. Any ideas folks?
Blatter Pipes from 70s
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To me (and I'm kinda cheap admittedly) that sounds like retail to me but, if you have the cash and you like them...I wouldn't be afraid to dicker a bit. Good luck!
Mike S.
Mike S.
I'd price the pipes new, and used on ebay, and see if there are any at online retailers like SP or PC, to give you a range on these. With estates, so much depends on the condition of the pipes. You might even discuss this with the Blatter & Blatter people themselves. The more you know, the better shape you'll be in to counter offer. That many pipes at that price suggests you are buying for more than just the pleasure of owning or smoking them, so have clearly in mind what you expect. They are custom made, which justifies a higher price, but the asking price seems pretty high, not having seen the pipes.
I only have one Blatter and it is a great pipe. Robert Blatter joined the family business in 1968 and started making the pipes at that time. His signature is engraved on the shank. Mine has that signature on it. They tend to be big pipes and smoke very cool. As for value, the asking price may be reasonable depending on condition.
One interesting side note is that the Blatter family invented the gourd calabash pipe while were living in South Africa in the early 20th century. Here's a YouTube video that is very interesting. Good luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp1jSKQF2KY
One interesting side note is that the Blatter family invented the gourd calabash pipe while were living in South Africa in the early 20th century. Here's a YouTube video that is very interesting. Good luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp1jSKQF2KY
As a collector of Blatter and Blatter pipes, I feel that price is - currently - on the high side. I say currently, as Blatter pipes are mostly seen as highly undervalued in the estate marketplace and high quality examples have been climbing slightly in value.
A number of factors will influence their value: Are they factory pipes or hand made "Select" marked pipes. Do they have one red dot or two? Two dots signifies a pipe with exceptional grain and/or workmanship and are rarer. Are they Select pipes signed by Robert Blatter and are the stampings still clear and visible?
I must say, I'm jealous that you've found a nice collection in one go. It can be nice to inherit much loved estate pipes as a collection from the same previous owner but those prices are at first glance a bit rich. There should definitely be some room to negotiate there. That price averages out at a higher price than I have ever paid for a Blatter pipe.
That said, only you can say how much those pipes are worth to you.
Either way, I've yet to find a Blatter pipe that wasn't a great smoker and well made.
I hope you'll share a picture of your haul with us.
A number of factors will influence their value: Are they factory pipes or hand made "Select" marked pipes. Do they have one red dot or two? Two dots signifies a pipe with exceptional grain and/or workmanship and are rarer. Are they Select pipes signed by Robert Blatter and are the stampings still clear and visible?
I must say, I'm jealous that you've found a nice collection in one go. It can be nice to inherit much loved estate pipes as a collection from the same previous owner but those prices are at first glance a bit rich. There should definitely be some room to negotiate there. That price averages out at a higher price than I have ever paid for a Blatter pipe.
That said, only you can say how much those pipes are worth to you.
Either way, I've yet to find a Blatter pipe that wasn't a great smoker and well made.
I hope you'll share a picture of your haul with us.
$2000 seams a great deal of money to spend, I would buy one or two and save the rest of the money for future buys, be careful with your money.
I'm with Coldsmoke.
Blatter pipes are the best kept secret in estate pipes sold in the States. My four are single red dots and and three of them anchor my weekly rotation.
Unless they're two dot and signed by Robert Blatter that collection of twelve is overvalued by half or better. Ive paid as little as 25 USD for mine and upwards of a c-note for others.
"Either way, I've yet to find a Blatter pipe that wasn't a great smoker and well made."
Too true.
Fnord
Blatter pipes are the best kept secret in estate pipes sold in the States. My four are single red dots and and three of them anchor my weekly rotation.
Unless they're two dot and signed by Robert Blatter that collection of twelve is overvalued by half or better. Ive paid as little as 25 USD for mine and upwards of a c-note for others.
"Either way, I've yet to find a Blatter pipe that wasn't a great smoker and well made."
Too true.
Fnord
Something else occured to me; why are they being sold in a lot? Seems like the seller would make more if they were sold singly. Something to consider. Like maybe some of the shapes or finishes are more desirable and would sell more readily, but this is a way to sell them all. Seems like this is a retail price for a wholesale group.
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