Cristiano Pipe Set

[peckinpahhombre]

Have you ever lobbed in a bid on ebay just because something seemed to be going a little cheap, but you honestly didn't think you were going to win (or, for that matter, really know what you were bidding on).
I was watching some ebay auctions last night and there was an unsmoked two pipe set by a pipemaker named Thomas Cristiano. It looked like a nice set, but frankly I had never heard of the guy. In any event, I just lobbed in a lowball bid in the last 5 seconds because I like boxed pipe sets, but I honestly didn't think I would get it. And then I won. Anybody ever heard of this guy? Did I get snookered?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-UNSMOKED-THOMAS-CRISTIANO-BOXED-SET-Italian-Estate-Pipe-w-TAMPER-MUST-SEE-/400453982130?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160

 

[pitchfork]

This set sold for much more the last time greatestatepipes sold it (?): http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-UNSMOKED-THOMAS-CRISTIANO-BOXED-SET-Italian-Estate-Pipe-w-TAMPER-MUST-SEE-/181097264812?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2a3cf6ac
Cristiano pipes were fairly pricey and desirable back in the 90s/early 2000s. For less than 60 bucks a pipe, I'd say you got a great deal.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

This set sold for much more the last time

Very interesting. I guess that's the oddity of auctions for you.

 

[pitchfork]

Funny thing. I once bought an Ashton ELX billiard from yer man greatestatepipes. Then I sold it on to someone else. And then a couple months ago it was for sale again -- my pipe -- from greatestatepipes. The very same pipe. He got twice what I sold it for, but I made a profit myself when I sold it to whomever sold it to greatestatepipes. Strange.

 

[teufelhund]

Nice score!

 

[marbones]

Most people are under the assumption that Paul's Pipe Shop has all of Thomas Cristiano's inventory, but that's not true. We have quite a few and have access to many more. If you are interested please send me a message and I can give you some prices that are far more reasonable than Paul's.

Thanks,

Ram

 

[wyfbane]

I have two older estate Cristianos. They are awesome pipes and smoke wonderfully. I bought two of the 'newer' ones you have at much more reasonable prices from JudPerl on ebay for $40/ each. They are not the same grade of pipes, which is why they are more reasonable.

 

[madox07]

Do post some pictures when you receive them .. your ebay post is no longer available.

 

[mso489]

Saw some Christiano brand pipes on a retail site in various shapes for about $75, traditional shapes and finishes, that looked nicely done. Unfortunately, this site didn't give specs -- weight, diameter of bowl, depth, material of stem, etc., so it was not especially informative, but the pipes looked good quality.

 

[wyfbane]

Madox, the OP was 4 years ago. I'm not sure if Peck is around much anymore.