Ok Tim, the gauntlet has been thrown down. All I can say is ….. No Castello’s for you, nor any soup!!!!!! Just kidding.
As ( mainly ) an estate pipe dealer, I would reply that if pre smoked pipes stopped being bought, Briar Blues, would become a new pipe seller with a much smaller inventory. As I do sell new Castello’s, I would still continue to do so, BUT my ability to purchase new inventory would be reduced dramatically. My profits go back into the business. I try and buy “interesting” Castello’s that have something unusual / unique about them.
I suspect that if all the dealers in estate pipes stopped, over all sales of pipes would slow down to a stand still. Why? If pipe owners cannot generate money to buy pipes, pipe sales will cease. There will be collections of pre smoked pipes sitting in racks collecting dust. Extra buying money will be limited to what’s in the pipe budget, after the normal household expenses are paid. If your income is limited by what you can spend, you can’t buy. So to create money, one needs an avenue to sell, so you can buy.
There is a difference between a singular carver, in their shop, carving and selling pipes, as opposed to companies such as Castello, Savinelli, Stanwell, Dunhill, etc that have “factories” that make pipes.
I’d really love to start selling artisan made pipes. The business man in me sees dollar signs, buying at wholesale and selling at retail. However, knowing the effort each singular carver goes through to eek out a living stops me.
I do, on occasion, buy artisan pipes, to re sell. I buy very few, and only to help boost a carvers exposure. Once the carver has enough direct clients, I do not buy their pipes any longer. They need and deserve our support as much as possible.
Pipes are not like automobiles, which are produced in the 100’s of thousands. If you wish to try that comparison, think about a limited edition automobile, such as the Aston Martin Dunhill. Very few produced and at a very steep cost and selling price. Pipes are not like Ford or Chevy.
To me, pipes are more in kind with luxury watches. Small batches. High quality. They tend to make a statement about the owner. Hand made pipes, in my mind, are the same.
Pre smoked pipes compare to vintage autos and vintage watches. Jesse collects specific era Barling’s. If he was into cars, maybe he’d drive a 1960’s E type Jag. Then again, maybe he does, and at the same time wears his 1960’s Rolex Daytona ala Steve McQueen.
Hell, look at Brian! He collects Disney pipes. I bet he’s not finding those newly made.
You yourself have just purchased a few Castello limited edition pipes. I know because I do see your Facebook posts. Once a limited edition is sold out, then what? You just give up trying to buy that pipe you really desire?
I say support the B&M’s. I say support the artisan carvers. I say support the factory pipe makers as well. Both with new and pre smoked pipes. Nothing says more to show off a pipe company, than buyers that want both new and used products. Nothing says more to a pipe carver or company than a following that loves their work.
It’s not about new versus used. It is about keeping the carvers in business.
Now I’ll crawl back into my cave and make a mental note to not send you anymore updates when great Castello’s arrive. Remember, no more Castello’s or soup, for you!
Regards
Michael J. Glukler
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