Inheritance of 200 pipes.

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Dads_pipes

Lurker
Sep 18, 2019
4
3
Hello
I have inherited about 200 of my Dad's pipes and I am not a pipe smoker. I am trying to find the values of these pipes and have no idea other than ebay where to look. Some are antiques and from all over the world of all different types and sizes. I have searched a few and have found similar pipes but not the same as a few and also not sure where to bring them. There are a couple I have learned may be rare and want to bring them to the proper people who will appreciate them.
Any suggestions or help are much appreciated.
Thank you2441
 
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americaman

Part of the Furniture Now
May 1, 2019
946
3,127
Los Angeles, CA
Awesome collection and congratulations! I was just at my local tobacco store yesterday and the employee was telling me that someone came into the store with the exact same situation as you.

Go through each one, organize them by brand name, post the brand names here, and then under each brand name post the markings of each pipe so that people can help you identify what it is and how much it is worth. Basically make an organized list and then post it on the forum.

You could also post pictures of the markings of each individual pipe.

Then post them on here or Ebay for sale. Plenty of pipe collectors on this forum.
 
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I have seen disastrous posts like this on here. Hopefully, this won't be like those. At least you didn't post that you had two hundred Dunhills. Ha ha!

My advice, and advice to anyone who wants to sell a pipe is to use Steve Fallon, (aka pipestud). First, if you were to put these on ebay yourself, you would never get the amount of money that he does, because he comes ready with a huge following of people wanting to give him money for pipes. And, he comes with experience in doing this very thing.

If you posted them yourself, few would see your auction, and it may not attract the right kind of buyers.

Also, my advice is to avoid making side deals on here. This is a recipe for disaster. First, you cannot according to forum rules without giving us your time and participation. Also, any wavering in the exchange sets off fireworks of hate posts. Just don't is my advice... unless you are a drama magnet, and in that case, this isn't your place either.

Steve Fallon, or Mike Law Pipes...
 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,211
60,638
You may want to pick out particular pipes to keep as mementos. Otherwise, I'd get in touch will a pipe professional who could help you sell these for a commission. Some may be worth considerably less than you think, and perhaps others more. Also, tobacco, especially unopened tins or carefully jarred well identified blends, may have value. pipe stud (one word that spell check won't let me do) a member of Forums, is one such professional who could handle this, for one example. There is a lot of lore and knowhow with pipes, so a pro can help you through the process and get you a fair deal, I think. Don't expect a big windfall, or perhaps you will be surprised. You may want the collection appraised before you settle on what to keep yourself.
 

americaman

Part of the Furniture Now
May 1, 2019
946
3,127
Los Angeles, CA
I agree with what Cosmic said above. Maybe it isn’t the best idea to post each one for sale here. People may try to lowball you and rip you off, unless you just want to get rid of them.

Steve Fallon from pipestud.com is a great guy and will sell your pipes and take a small portion from the sale. Very easy. However, I think he only sells pipes that are worth a decent amount of money, maybe in value of $100 and up.
 
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peregrinus

Lifer
Aug 4, 2019
1,205
3,794
Pacific Northwest
I have inherited about 200 of my Dad's pipes and I am not a pipe smoker
My advice, and advice to anyone who wants to sell a pipe is to use Steve Fallon, (aka pipestud).
This is very good advice, particularly for someone in your position.
There are others, but I have worked with Steve Fallon, trust him and he can help you sort this out.
Unless you have the desire to immerse yourself in pipe culture for a few years Steve will save you a lot of time and aggravation.
 
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brooklynpiper

Part of the Furniture Now
May 8, 2018
666
1,464
My advice? He had a few corn cobs and there's no point in selling a used cob pipe. Pick out one of his tobaccos that smells nice to you, load it into a cob and give it a spin. See if this is something you enjoy, potentially nostalgically, before you gut the entire collection.

Sorry for your loss. Hope you and the rest of your family are well.
 

Dads_pipes

Lurker
Sep 18, 2019
4
3
You may want to pick out particular pipes to keep as mementos. Otherwise, I'd get in touch will a pipe professional who could help you sell these for a commission. Some may be worth considerably less than you think, and perhaps others more. Also, tobacco, especially unopened tins or carefully jarred well identified blends, may have value. pipe stud (one word that spell check won't let me do) a member of Forums, is one such professional who could handle this, for one example. There is a lot of lore and knowhow with pipes, so a pro can help you through the process and get you a fair deal, I think. Don't expect a big windfall, or perhaps you will be surprised. You may want the collection appraised before you settle on what to keep yourself.
Thank you ?
I dont expect a ton of money. I just don't want 200 pipes and want to make sure I do the right thing with them.
 
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mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,211
60,638
Since you are not a pipe smoker, I'd choose not to keep the most expensive pipes since that would present your own estate with the same problem again. Better to choose something that reminds you most of your dad and what he smoked. I'd pick one that is not too worn, to have the option of a commemorative smoke each year on your dad's birthday, if you want.
 

donjgiles

Lifer
Apr 14, 2018
1,571
2,526
They all look very well cared for, the advice you have been given here is sound.
I would pick out the one that appeals to you the most, and keep that as something to remember him.
 
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sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
21,023
50,398
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
Gotta run to work, so I'll be brief.
Decide what you want to do with this collection. Do nothing in haste.
Sort the pipes out by brand and type.
If you haven't already, check out these two sites:

They are both good resources for learning about what you have.

Should you decide to sell them you have a number of options. You can sell or consign them to a dealer, like Steve Fallon, Marty Pulvers - Pulvers Prior Briar, and Mike Gluckler - BriarBlues. You can sell them to an eBay dealer like Chance Whitamore - Great Estates, or Rodrigo - Treasurepipes.
You can sell them yourself on eBay if you're willing to put in the sweat equity, because unless you do an excellent job of presentation, you will not get top dollar.
You could even rent a table at a pipe show and sell them yourself.
But first, take some time to understand what it is that you have before accepting any offers from anyone.
Feel free to ask questions. Some of us here are well versed in estate pipes, what affects value what is collectible.
 

frankrem

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jul 1, 2019
140
40
Huntsville, Arkansas
Wow what an amazing collection - That is incredible.

I'm so sorry about your loss -

It is a sad treasure to have before you but it is a treasure. Be sure to keep some to pass on to future generations of pipe smokers in your family. The history your father shared with some of those treasured pipes and the things they have seen together can only be imagined.
 
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seldom

Lifer
Mar 11, 2018
1,034
941
Condolences on the loss of your father.

There is some good advice on this thread. If you have questions about particular pipes this forum can be a good resource. Photos of any stampings/marks (both on the main part of the pipe and on the stem) can be particularly useful for identification and ascertaining date of manufacture.
 
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shanez

Lifer
Jul 10, 2018
5,475
26,244
50
Las Vegas
I have seen disastrous posts like this on here. Hopefully, this won't be like those. At least you didn't post that you had two hundred Dunhills. Ha ha!

My advice, and advice to anyone who wants to sell a pipe is to use Steve Fallon, (aka pipestud). First, if you were to put these on ebay yourself, you would never get the amount of money that he does, because he comes ready with a huge following of people wanting to give him money for pipes. And, he comes with experience in doing this very thing.

If you posted them yourself, few would see your auction, and it may not attract the right kind of buyers.

Also, my advice is to avoid making side deals on here. This is a recipe for disaster. First, you cannot according to forum rules without giving us your time and participation. Also, any wavering in the exchange sets off fireworks of hate posts. Just don't is my advice... unless you are a drama magnet, and in that case, this isn't your place either.

Steve Fallon, or Mike Law Pipes...

Gotta run to work, so I'll be brief.
Decide what you want to do with this collection. Do nothing in haste.
Sort the pipes out by brand and type.
If you haven't already, check out these two sites:

They are both good resources for learning about what you have.

Should you decide to sell them you have a number of options. You can sell or consign them to a dealer, like Steve Fallon, Marty Pulvers - Pulvers Prior Briar, and Mike Gluckler - BriarBlues. You can sell them to an eBay dealer like Chance Whitamore - Great Estates, or Rodrigo - Treasurepipes.
You can sell them yourself on eBay if you're willing to put in the sweat equity, because unless you do an excellent job of presentation, you will not get top dollar.
You could even rent a table at a pipe show and sell them yourself.
But first, take some time to understand what it is that you have before accepting any offers from anyone.
Feel free to ask questions. Some of us here are well versed in estate pipes, what affects value what is collectible.

You really can't get better advice than this. Especially Sable's "Do nothing in haste"; the estate pipe market is not going to bottom out or disappear anytime soon.

You also might want to look around for any accessories and/or unopened tins of tobacco. Even everyday available tins can still be sold.

Please do post about your experience when all is said and done. I'm very curious and you might post something that I could give to my daughter as advice for when I'm gone.

And don't worry, anyone who acquires pipes through this site, any of the sellers listed here, or even just from ebay are most likely "the proper people who will appreciate them". I, personally, appreciate any provenance about an estate pipe I acquire.
 
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mikethompson

Comissar of Christmas
Jun 26, 2016
11,879
25,874
Near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I'm sorry for the loss of your father.

You already have some sound advice here, so i have nothing to add except see if you have a picture of your dad smoking a pipe then try to find that pipe in the pile. It would make a great keepsake.

I see some very nice pipes in there. You / whoever will have no problem selling them I am sure.
 
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ophiuchus

Lifer
Mar 25, 2016
1,650
2,501
Whatever you do ... don't rush!

Think about picking a few that you remember him smoking ... a few of his favorites, if you know which ones ... pick a familiar rack and keep the set for yourself. Not necessarily to smoke, just something to display with some family articles.
 

Dads_pipes

Lurker
Sep 18, 2019
4
3
You really can't get better advice than this. Especially Sable's "Do nothing in haste"; the estate pipe market is not going to bottom out or disappear anytime soon.

You also might want to look around for any accessories and/or unopened tins of tobacco. Even everyday available tins can still be sold.

Please do post about your experience when all is said and done. I'm very curious and you might post something that I could give to my daughter as advice for when I'm gone.

And don't worry, anyone who acquires pipes through this site, any of the sellers listed here, or even just from ebay are most likely "the proper people who will appreciate them". I, personally, appreciate any provenance about an estate pipe I acquire.
Thank you
 
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