Determining Pipe Damage

[patack]

Hello,
I could use your knowledge, please. I recently purchased a collection of 5 pipes (and a humidor) from an estate. These include Velani, Carey, Medico, and ? Of the five, 3 are in very good condition; however, I think there is some damage to two of them. I'll show enlarged photos. The Medico VFQ looks to have had little use, but the bowl could be damaged. The Carey top of the bowl looks like a finish is burned off.
Thanks for your thoughts. Any information is appreciated.

 

[anotherbob]

is the magic inch meer? I'd say the damage on those looks largerly cosmetic and like they were aggressive in the lighting of the tobacco. And how much is it a big deal? Depends on what you paid and what else you got.

 

[canucklehead]

I concur with bob, only looks like surface damage, could probably be cleaned up with minimal effort, if you feel like expending the effort. Magic inch pipes seem to sell pretty fast on the estate market.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

Not sure how good you are with your hands, but both of these look like very repairable candidates. As stated above, looks to only be surface damage. Nothing deep.
I'd dig through old forums threads for insight into repairs. Youtube also has some informative videos. Or if you lack tools or the skill (pretty minimal) you could always send it off to somebody.

 

[patack]

Thank you, all, for such a quick response. I sell online; however, if you think they are damaged, how do I represent that when describing the pipes?
I have another Magic Inch pipe in great condition. Glad you mentioned Magic Inch. The one shown has the C; however, the other one that I have has a Gold C that is raised. What's the difference?
"Aggressive in lighting..." Interesting because none of the other 3 are like that and all 5 appear to be only lightly used. The stems look barely used on all of them.
Sorry, this got long lol
OH... and the other that I have and couldn't remember the name is the Velani Volcano.
Thanks again. Such good posts.

 

[verporchting]

I agree with the posts above and would guess somebody was sloppy with a (torch?) lighter and/or laid the pipes in an ashtray with burning cigarettes. They might have learned better after the first two got scorched?

 

[edger]

The Carey's, for me, were outdoor work pipes. I put them through bad weather, hot sun and generally abused them. The nylon stems were comfortable if I gritted my teeth while lifting heavy objects and they didn't oxidize. The bowls got scorched from my Zippo when it was windy. That could be what you are seeing. Great inexpensive pipes!

 

[OzPiper]

The Carey is an African meerschaum (from now closed mines in Tanganyika) as @anotherbob said

 

[anotherbob]

The Carey's, for me, were outdoor work pipes. I put them through bad weather, hot sun and generally abused them. The nylon stems were comfortable if I gritted my teeth while lifting heavy objects and they didn't oxidize. The bowls got scorched from my Zippo when it was windy. That could be what you are seeing. Great inexpensive pipes!

totally. And heck even had the wind kick up and get an ember so hot it feels like it could scorch the pipe easily.

 

[edger]

totally. And heck even had the wind kick up and get an ember so hot it feels like it could scorch the pipe easily.

Good point. I never had a burn out with Careys either. If I got distracted and drooled down the pipe, it never entered the stummel because they aren't directly connected. No nasty sour taste ever.

 

[patack]

What an interesting conversation.

 

[patack]

Can anyone recommend a website that has some history about each pipe manufacturer? It would really be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[OzPiper]

Pipedia is a good reference site.

 

[patack]

Thanks so much. That is a lot of information to digest!