Daniel Mustran or Alexey Korolev? Need Advice

[bungee]

As part of a deal I'm working I have the chance to include one of these pipes.
The first one is an Ugly Duckling by Daniel Mustran and the other one a Reversed Nut by Alexey Korolev.
http://tnd-pipes.com/wp-content/gallery/previous-work/p5212-001.jpg
http://scandpipes.com/product.asp?product=3061
Your advice? Valuewise, aestethically and smoking quality.
Cheers,
J

 

[cynicismandsugar]

Personally, I would find it difficult to pass up the Ugly Duckling. No matter your choice, I think you win.

 

[carbonmated]

Ugly Duckling is darn good looking pipe

 

[bungee]

Thank you guys! I'm kinda gravitating towards Ugly Duckling myself.
Are you familiar with these carver's work? Any comments regarding quality or smoking characteristics?
Cheers,
J

 

[clickklick]

You will be fine with either!

 

[mayfair70]

Duckling, hands down. The other reminds me of a suppository (from a nightmare). I'm sure they are both fine smokers.

 

[disinformatique]

Daniel is a swell guy. Personally I will go with his but Alexey's work is top-notch as well.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I would go with the Mustran. Daniel is a great guy and carves a great pipe. I am not as familiar with Korolev. Plus, I also like the look of Daniel's pipe a bit better, but that is just my own personal preference.

 

[papipeguy]

FWIW, I cast a vote for the Ugly Duckling too. It just looks like the more comfortable of the two and it's a fine looking pipe.

 

[sablebrush52]

Might as well buy the Ugly Duckling. The other pipe is sold.

 

[bungee]

Those links I posted for reference only. The pipes are te same shapes and by the same artist, but different pieces.
Well, at the last minute both got thrown into the deal by the seller, so no need to choose!
I will post pics of the six pipes later today. They are an Askwith Morta straight billiard, a Liskey volcano sandblasted, a Cherepanov four knuckle bamboo, a Mustran volcano smooth, the Mustran listed in this thread and the Korolev listed in this thread.
Cheers and thanks for the advice and comments,
J

 

[bungee]

So here they are. What do you think?
Will start a new thread SO i can share the whole bounty with you.
What do you thin?
Cheers,
J

 

[disinformatique]

I like both the pipes. Who made the second one?