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pipersfriend

Lurker
Nov 5, 2023
3
6
Happy Sunday, all! We are in for a beautiful fall day here in eastern Pennsylvania :) I am here to help my husband get some information on a pipe collection that he has inherited from his stepfather, who sadly we had to place in a nursing home, after my mother-in-law's passing. We have about 50 pipes that we are looking to sell. Some of the pipes have no markings, and even with the ones that do, we are at a bit of a loss as to where to start in this process. May I post photos here for feedback? If so, which forum category should I post them in? Any tips on how to set the photo shots up would also be appreciated. What's the best way to go about selling these pipes? I figure we will get a better price if we sell them ourselves, individually, rather than send them off to a dealer. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
 

mikethompson

Comissar of Christmas
Jun 26, 2016
11,716
24,865
Near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Happy Sunday, all! We are in for a beautiful fall day here in eastern Pennsylvania :) I am here to help my husband get some information on a pipe collection that he has inherited from his stepfather, who sadly we had to place in a nursing home, after my mother-in-law's passing. We have about 50 pipes that we are looking to sell. Some of the pipes have no markings, and even with the ones that do, we are at a bit of a loss as to where to start in this process. May I post photos here for feedback? If so, which forum category should I post them in? Any tips on how to set the photo shots up would also be appreciated. What's the best way to go about selling these pipes? I figure we will get a better price if we sell them ourselves, individually, rather than send them off to a dealer. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Welcome to the forum!

I hope your stepfather in law thrives in the home, and enjoys his remaining years there.

As for posting pictures of the pipes, feel free to do so. You can either start a new thread in Pipe Talk, or just post them here.

Please don't post here in the New Member Intros!

As for selling, we have a classified section here, eBay, or you could contact someone who specializes in buying estate pipe lots.

Posting in the classified section requires time on the board, and a number of real posts.

I'd suggest contacting Steve Fallon, aka "Pipestud".
 
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Epip Oc'Cabot

Can't Leave
Oct 11, 2019
472
1,309
Hmm…. most nursing homes in my region are fine with the ambulatory folks smoking outside if they would like to. So, I hope your FIL is able to navigate well and is cognizant enough that you have saved a few pipes for him to still enjoy in his new environment if he would like to do so.
 

MRW

Part of the Furniture Now
Jan 6, 2022
602
1,144
61
Fort Worth Texas
Happy Sunday, all! We are in for a beautiful fall day here in eastern Pennsylvania :) I am here to help my husband get some information on a pipe collection that he has inherited from his stepfather, who sadly we had to place in a nursing home, after my mother-in-law's passing. We have about 50 pipes that we are looking to sell. Some of the pipes have no markings, and even with the ones that do, we are at a bit of a loss as to where to start in this process. May I post photos here for feedback? If so, which forum category should I post them in? Any tips on how to set the photo shots up would also be appreciated. What's the best way to go about selling these pipes? I figure we will get a better price if we sell them ourselves, individually, rather than send them off to a dealer. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
I recommend Estate sales through smokingpipes.com. They have been more than fair to me.
 
H

HRPufnstuf

Guest
I would also recommend an estate sale or pipe broker. Unless you are already an accomplished online "merchant", the time and work involved in selling the pipes yourself may be overwhelming. This site advertises several brokers that can help you, take a few minutes to look into them and see if they can reduce your burden. Moving family to assisted care is a big enough task in and of itself. If he can still enjoy a smoke, be sure to save a few of your Father-in-Law's favourites to ease his transition, even if they only sit on a table or shelf. My best wishes for you all in this change in your lives.
 
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mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,610
I'd recommend pipestud (Steve Fallon) who is on Forums. He can sell the pipes on commission and knows what he's doing so you don't have to spend the time and lose money making mistakes. Depending on the pipes, they could be worth very little, or your step father could have been a discerning collector and they could be worth quite a bit. But you don't want to spend the time learning about all this; it could take at least several years. Personally, I wouldn't post them in Forums. It is hard to appraise pipes from photographs online.

I hope your husband's step father has some good years ahead of him. And good luck with the pipes.
 

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
26,221
30,175
Carmel Valley, CA
As to posting here, many are interested in pipes in general. Also, we get a feeling of the collection after viewing a half dozen photos, and can perhaps be more helpful.

Steve Fallon has been cited upthread.
 
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anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
16,642
31,192
46
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
I agree with the send it to the pros. A lot of people selling pipes by themselves end up under charging certain pipes and over charging for others. But I think the biggest thing the pros can do that you won't be able to do with our advice is access the condition of the pipes and also do any restorations needed. That can significantly up the value of almost any pipe. Plus enough people regularly look at smoking pipes and Pipe Studs stuff which not only increases eyes on the pipes, but you get the benefit of their reputation as a known quantity. I'll put it this way I'd rather pay more for pipe from either of them knowing what headaches I can avoid and knowing if there is a problem they'll make it right, over saving some cash and buying a pipe off of someone who doesn't know pipes and which I have zero history dealing with. Either way it's up to you but I think you'll be happy with the end results if you take our advice.
 
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