Hi, I have had the same 'divets' appear in my pipes. One NOS Savinelli from the 60's and two 70's Erica Seconds (Peterson). I call them divets not cracks. Briar grows in rocky soil and as it grows it absorbs or surrounds some of those rocks, pebbles, sand particles. That's part of its natural beauty. After the pipe is made if there are alot of divets they rusticate or sandblast. If none they make it a smooth pipe. But as you handle it sometimes sand or micro small pebbles pop out as you wear away some of the surface through natural handling and heat from smoking. Its not an imperfection but rather a natural progression that occurs and is a sign that you have a true briar. Many of us consider it a thing of natural beauty or proof of authenticity (O.K., Maybe just me! I like natural). I think its a fine and beautiful pipe. If you get a big stone that pops out you can have it "filled" if you think it will effect smoking. Is completely natural and normal and yours aren't bad. One of my peterson seconds had those filled at the factory ... I have had it for about 35 yrs and it still smokes like a Peterson. I wouldn't worry about it unless you have to have perfectly smooth pipe ... then go buy that where its coated or painted to hide the natural beauty. Just my two cents ... Happy St. Patrick's Day ! But by all means enjoy that pipe until you decide what you're going to do !!!! Best Wishes !
P.S. I looked at those pictures again and that pipe has stunning birds eye grain. I would definitely buy that pipe for that alone.
I have to say that certainly puts my mind at rest. Thank you.
My Savinelli Erica Fiamma (a second to Gold Jubilee top of line) had a glass smooth reddish finish with straight grain down sides .... until ... I smoked it twice and two of those micro divets popped out of the grain ... yep, its real !
