So thanks to soymilkisgood I have added my first Dr.Grabow, a Commodore #10, to my growing collection and I think this adds to a turning point in pipe collecting for me. If Soy is correct on the approx dating this is now the oldest pipe in my collection at almost 50yrs old, it's my first stinger pipe as well. First bowl was some rubbed out McClelland Virginia broken flake with a pinch of Perique added in. Wow.... It smoked cool as Steve McQueen and smooth as a prom queen's thighs. Zero gurgle, two relights, and finished to a perfect light grey ash. I've read on here about the wonders of old, aged briars and those who sing the ballads of old Grabows and I can finally say that I get it as well. I have purchased two pipes this year and both were estate pipes that really appealed to me. The Dr.Grabow and a great billiard made by the brothers at Pipa Croci from the early 80's and from now on I think I will look towards finding older estates or older non-smoked rather then buying new pipes. Something about that old briar just makes for a better smoke for me.
