I drove down to to Richmond this morning to for my very first pipe show. Unfortunately, a family matter tomorrow morning meant I had to drive up and back on the same day (about a 400 mile round trip). So, I had to cut the day short and left at 3 PM.
What a great day. If you have not made a pipe show, make the effort. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, like walking in to my first decent pipe shop. I decided to just make a fast reconnaissance loop. Almost immediately, I found an individual seller that had two really attractively priced Rad Davis pipes, but I kept moving.
I met a number of pipe folk from NYC, Philly, Mel from Wingenroths and Andy (DocWatson) and some ebay estate sellers. Smoking was allowed in the venue, which was interesting and the fire alarm went off twice during the day. It was great to enjoy a smoke with Mel outside of his shop. And, a real pleasure to chat and check out the various vendor wares with Andy. He knew everyone and I picked up a thing or two about various pipe makers. Andy also had a table full of some really fine estate pipes.
I bought an estate Ashton (2000) from a gentleman who I can't quite recall his name. He is/was a pipe maker - Klees? He made this particular pipe with Mr. Taylor on a visit to his shop. It is a XXX Pebble Grain with a reasonable size bowl and I'm looking forward to smoking it. (I'm hoping Doc can fill in the name)
An hour later, I circled back to the Rad Davis and was surprised to both still on the table. I bought the smooth finish pipe and smoked it a few times at the show. I find a lot of Rads bowls too large for me, so this smaller size was appealing. It has a very nice draw and I'll look forward to getting to know this one better.
I also bought a West Highland terrier from Mel Friedman, who is quite the character. I didn't know who he was and Andy took me over and I had a fine chat with Mel (he ran a shop in Albany for many years). He said this is his last show and my first. Wish I'd have snapped a picture with him.
I was a little disappointed not to find some of the lower end GBD's to restore/resell. I sort of expected baskets of worn pipes, but only one vendor had that (Mr. Klees) and he was way out of touch on those prices.
Tobacco was everywhere and I was able to sample some blends that I had not yet tried. The Tarlers had a large display and I picked up some hard to find locally GLP blends.
Overall, I had a blast and will definitely make future shows in my area.
What a great day. If you have not made a pipe show, make the effort. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, like walking in to my first decent pipe shop. I decided to just make a fast reconnaissance loop. Almost immediately, I found an individual seller that had two really attractively priced Rad Davis pipes, but I kept moving.
I met a number of pipe folk from NYC, Philly, Mel from Wingenroths and Andy (DocWatson) and some ebay estate sellers. Smoking was allowed in the venue, which was interesting and the fire alarm went off twice during the day. It was great to enjoy a smoke with Mel outside of his shop. And, a real pleasure to chat and check out the various vendor wares with Andy. He knew everyone and I picked up a thing or two about various pipe makers. Andy also had a table full of some really fine estate pipes.
I bought an estate Ashton (2000) from a gentleman who I can't quite recall his name. He is/was a pipe maker - Klees? He made this particular pipe with Mr. Taylor on a visit to his shop. It is a XXX Pebble Grain with a reasonable size bowl and I'm looking forward to smoking it. (I'm hoping Doc can fill in the name)
An hour later, I circled back to the Rad Davis and was surprised to both still on the table. I bought the smooth finish pipe and smoked it a few times at the show. I find a lot of Rads bowls too large for me, so this smaller size was appealing. It has a very nice draw and I'll look forward to getting to know this one better.
I also bought a West Highland terrier from Mel Friedman, who is quite the character. I didn't know who he was and Andy took me over and I had a fine chat with Mel (he ran a shop in Albany for many years). He said this is his last show and my first. Wish I'd have snapped a picture with him.
I was a little disappointed not to find some of the lower end GBD's to restore/resell. I sort of expected baskets of worn pipes, but only one vendor had that (Mr. Klees) and he was way out of touch on those prices.
Tobacco was everywhere and I was able to sample some blends that I had not yet tried. The Tarlers had a large display and I picked up some hard to find locally GLP blends.
Overall, I had a blast and will definitely make future shows in my area.
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