How to Ship a Pipe You Have Sold

[BROBS]

Agreed! Just saying that for me the lesser of two evils is assembled. It’s like if you want your drink shaken or stirred.

 

[chopper]

I've received estate pipes many times where the stem was removed, and it hasn't resulted in any issues. But, I do know what you're talking about, and I always leave the stems in place, at home, when shipping, and once in a great while take them apart for cleaning. I've seen interviews where some well known pipemakers have said exactly what the OP said, and for the same reasons. Basically when the pipe is finished being made, at that moment the stem/shank fit is as good as it will ever be. Taking it apart and exposing it to possible changes in temperature and humidity could cause the wood to swell, shrink or somehow warp. I understand the reasoning, so I keep them together...but, like I and others have said, have not had an issue when a pipe has arrived, both pieces not attached.

Yes I was reading about this in a pipe makers website.

Unfortunately I can't remember details but a pipe maker had spent the morning with a friend who was a pipe maker of some renown.
When his missus called them to lunch his mate advised him to reattach the stem on the pipe he'd been working on. He said that he never left a stem seperated from the stummel longer than necessary, not even over a lunch break.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Totally agree, though I have had no problems with pipes I've received with stem detached. if it's loose, wetting the tenon and/or smoking it a few times cinched it up just right.