Fair Price for an Estate Lot?

[rockymtnsmoker]

I'm visiting my wife's hometown, a small city in Northern Ontario. I put an ad on a local site suggesting I'd be in town and was looking to buy old pipes. Lo and behold, I got a couple of responses. This is my first venture into this aspect of the pipe world. I'm visiting one of the older couples who responded this evening. He has eight pipes that belonged to him and his and grandfather, plus some related tobacciana for sale. Given where I am, I'm assuming it will be a bunch of drugstore level pipes which is fine because I'm looking to try my hand at some restoration. My question after this long winded back story is what would be a fair offer? Based on what I'm seeing on eBay and comments I've read on other threads, I'm thinking between $50 and $150, depending on brands, condition etc. What say you all?

 

[smokeybear]

I say see what they want for them first you never know they might already have an idea of what they are worth. if not then bring down the knowledge and be honest about it you may have fun talking about the pipes and they might respect your honesty and give you a good deal.

 

[smokeybear]

Also Kudos on posting a ad that your coming to town thats a great idea i might try that next time.

 

[rockymtnsmoker]

Thanks smokey. Lot of Scandinavians here and my fantasy was I'd find some nice Danish pieces. I suspect that wont't be the case, but I'm excited anyway.

 

[smokeybear]

Well best of luck man the joy is in the hunt as they say.

 

[fnord]

It all depends on what you find, Rocky. Fifty bucks might be a skosh high for drugstore pipes yet your 150 top dollar price could be low for a rack of Brighams or higher end Scandinavians.
When I buy estates I rarely pay more than five bucks for a drugstore pipe and even then it would have to be something wonderful and desirable for that amount. On the other hand, last year I paid twenty for a Comoy second and it's proven to be one of my best burners.
Let us know how the treasure hunt goes.
Fnord

 

[pruss]

When I buy estates I rarely pay more than five bucks for a drugstore pipe and even then it would have to be something wonderful and desirable for that amount. On the other hand, last year I paid twenty for a Comoy second and it's proven to be one of my best burners.

+1
Last week on vacation in Northern Ontario I walked away from a 3 dot Brigham at $15 (yeah I'm crazy... but the stem/stummel connection was wonky and I had doubts as to whether the stem was original, and the stem was stuck), but bought a Kaywoodie Super Grain Lovat for $7.00. It cleaned up REALLY nicely.
Have a blast on your scavenger hunt bro.
-- Pat

 

[rockymtnsmoker]

Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted.

 

[teufelhund]

Good luck and make sure to post some pictures of your finds.

 

[soggycitybob]

I agree that posting the ad was a great idea. I also agree around $5 per pipe for drugstore brands, and others may have to be appraised individually. When I'm looking into buying estates I always search these boards. Keep your smart phone handy and look up any unrecognized names to get an idea.

 

[erichbaumer]

I agree in general with the $5 mark, but I personally have never found a pipe for that price (I have some serious envy for the guys who find $1 Dunhills...). At a fleemarket/antiques market I visited, I found a Kaywoodie Supergrain for $10 and a Dr. Grabow Starfire for $15. A bit high? Sure. But both smoke great and I don't regret the purchases in any way. Maybe I'm a sucker or should talk people down more often, but hey, I'm enjoying my pipes either way. Good luck, looking forward to hearing about the finds!

 

[ghost]

"Older people"? "Northern Ontario"? "Scandinavians"?...
Thunder Bay??? :puffpipe:

 

[rockymtnsmoker]

You pinned it ghost!

 

[ghost]

You pinned it ghost!

Elementary. :puffpipe:

 

[jah76]

Thunder Bay?!?!
The bombers?!?!
Maybe you can buy some of Racki's pipes.
Kidding aside, good luck in your hunt!

 

[ghost]

Maybe you can buy some of Racki's pipes.

Racki?? Good Lord, a Youngblood reference! Zounds!!!! 8O

 

[pruss]

Good Lord, a Youngblood reference! Zounds!!!!

Oh Youngblood... Was I the only one who wanted to punch Rob Lowe's character in the face for pretty much ALL of that movie? And I had a big crush on for Cynthia Gibb for all of grade 6, 7 and 8, as a result of that movie.
Off topic, I know. I'd buy estate pipes from Cynthia Gibb.
-- Pat

 

[jah76]

I'd buy estate pipes from Miss McGill.

 

[pruss]

I'd buy estate pipes from Miss McGill.

:clap:
-- Pat