shaintiques,
This is a very cool project you've started and it's come to my attention at the perfect time. I tried out pipe smoking at the beginning of this year and bought a little clay pipe in April, my first pipe: http://www.pipeshoppe.com/ps_p2001.php. It doesn't work so well, so I bought a Capri basket pipe in March, which gets the job done: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/79677/capri-basket/. (smooth bent egg).
I turned my husband into a pipe smoker as well, leaving the pricey cigars behind, so we've been passing the Capri back and forth. This doesn't work so well, me being a Billy Budd gal and him being the aromatic type. So, we've been looking for another pipe, but a descent one that doesn't gurgle and heat up so much. As a couple in our early 20s, we have a lot of the same financial issues that I imagine most couples our age do. So, we've had a tough time justifying spending money on a third pipe (really a second pipe, the clay is more of a decoration at this point). And we're certainly hesitant to spend the money necessary for a quality pipe, yet also hesitant to buy another cheap one. Haven't had much luck on ebay.
Anything you and others on the forum have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Any pipe received from this warm group would be a gift to be cherished for the rest of our lives. We'd gladly pay the shipping costs (paypal?) and post up pictures of us using whatever pipe you might be willing and able to send our way. This community has been great in generosity and education.
Thank you, shaintiques. And thank you all.