Dunhill Cumberland 1982 pipe and tool

[kafka]

I recently bought a Dunhill Cumberland briar pipe and tool in a presentation case at a charity shop for $70. I have identified it as having been made in 1982. it is in "as new" condition and has not been smoked. Before I take the plunge and smoke it I would like to have some idea of its value. Can anyone help? Should I smoke it?

 

[bytor]

I don't think that a 1982 would be considered collectible at this point...
I would therefore guess that the pipes value is approximately the same as what a new Dunhill Cumberland would cost ($300-500-ish?)

 

[cortezattic]

Hi Kafka, and welcome to the forums. I think more info is needed, like shape (dublin, bulldog, billiard, etc.), bowl size (Group 3,4,5?) and condition of pipe and bit. Then an eBay search could put you in the ballpark on market value. As it is, the price could vary widely; so I'd ditto Bytor's guess at retail value.
Should you smoke it? I would -- it's just a pipe. (Be sure to clean it thoroughly.)

 

[pbgoldwing55]

i wouldnt smoke it just yet take it to a pipe shop and see if you can get some more info and gather perhaps price range what its worth

 

[fred]

If you do a Buying Options:Completed listings search on e-bay, it will pull

information on this Pipe's sale history, if one has been in the marketplace

recently.

 

[cortezattic]

pbgoldwing55 said

i wouldnt smoke it just yet take it to a pipe shop and see if you can get some more info and gather perhaps price range what its worth

Kafka,

If you bought that pipe as an investment, a work of art to admire, or to fill-out a collection, etc., then by all means take pbgoldwing55's advice. You might be able to sell it for enough money to finance the acquisition of 10 very good smokers. If you bought it because you like it and need a pipe, then by all means smoke it. It was made for your enjoyment.

 

[hauntedmyst]

I don't think that a 1982 would be considered collectible at this point...
I would therefore guess that the pipes value is approximately the same as what a new Dunhill Cumberland would cost ($300-500-ish?)

I agree on the first part, not on the second. Today on ebay a brand new unsmoked 1984 Dunhill Cumberland Group 6 (The largest and most expensive of the standard sizes) in a very rare shape went for $178.00

 

[cortezattic]

Haunted, you're right! I was really surprised at the relatively low resale value those Dunnies were getting at auction.

Makes you think twice about popping for a new one at retail prices. Besides, I've heard people say Dunhills were good,

but not better than pipes going for a lot less.

 

[kafka]

Thanks all. I finally decided to smoke it. My reluctance was due, in part, to my unfortunate tendency to bite through the stem of my pipes over the course of a year or less. While I was in the city the other day (Sydney) I called in at the last surviving traditional tobacconist (Sol Levy) and found that they had taken delivery of a consignment of stem protectors (little rings of plastic which fit over the tip of the stem). Over the years I have been forced to make do with cheap pipes (my last was $12) rather than replace more expensive ones.
I should point out that what I bought was not just a pipe, it was a pipe and tool lying on suede cloth in a leather case.

 

[hauntedmyst]

I think you'll enjoy it kafka. One of the things I really like about Dunhills is that nearly every pipe repair man can replace the stem with the logo - something not true of many other brands.
cortez,
Agreed! Besides, the estate ones I've picked up lately in the $150 to $200 range have ben so little smoked, its like buying a new pipe anyways. I really think the newest stuff (1995 on) is there best stuff. At those prices, you are getting a great smoke for less. I'm amazed at how much the collector market has swung in the last 5 years from name brands like Dunhills to artisan pipes.