Interesting Completed Ebay Auctions - British Pipes

[bayareabriar]

I've been shaking my head with some disbelief at this one's astonishing final price. The 1937 coronation was by equal measures a big deal and something of a fiasco for English luxury good makers. This because of the unexpected abdication of Edward VIII on 10-11 December 1936 with ceremonies scheduled for 12 May. Every imaginable kind of souvenir for every budget were in the works--mugs with royal portraits and coats of arms, etched crystal decanters, porcelain tea sets, beautiful wrought sterling silver objects for desk and table, medals.

Unfortunately for many of Englands most famous brands and retailers quite a lot of Edward VIII merchandise had already been manufactured, one infers, it was already in stores and being sold when the shocking announcement came.

I am a big fan of an art deco London silversmith called "R.E. Stone" who sold to retailers like Asprey, and own quite a number of his surprising large range of handsome coronation pieces variously celebrating either Edward or George (indeed, my impression is he may not have had time to make anything for at least a year that wasn't).

As for the pipe--it's certainly nice enough but definitely presents a few riddles. It appears to be unsmoked and has a lovely "bowling ball" vulcanite stem, but the crown looks to me fairly generic (ie it finesses altogether the awkward question of whether it is honoring the company's long time champion and patron, Edward, or his younger brother).

Nothing about it suggests it was anything other than the sort of luxury souvenir that other retailers were hawking. And that Dunhill had actual made it for one of them personally (which might have justified its regal price). What is curious--if I am reading the blurry scan of its nomenclature is that the pipe appears to date (with a "13") to 1933--which is to say, even if one assumes the nicely executed crown was Dunhill's own work, there's a three-four year gap between the making of the stummel and the addition of this carving. Usually (but not always) completed Dunhill pipes that remained in stock unsold for more than a year received an additional updated stamp (to extend their warranty). But this pipe appears to lack any.

Intriguing.

Ditto

 

[Humblepipe]

I've been shaking my head with some disbelief at this one's astonishing final price. The 1937 coronation was by equal measures a big deal and something of a fiasco for English luxury good makers. This because of the unexpected abdication of Edward VIII on 10-11 December 1936 with ceremonies scheduled for 12 May. Every imaginable kind of souvenir for every budget were in the works--mugs with royal portraits and coats of arms, etched crystal decanters, porcelain tea sets, beautiful wrought sterling silver objects for desk and table, medals.

Unfortunately for many of Englands most famous brands and retailers quite a lot of Edward VIII merchandise had already been manufactured, one infers, it was already in stores and being sold when the shocking announcement came.

I am a big fan of an art deco London silversmith called "R.E. Stone" who sold to retailers like Asprey, and own quite a number of his surprising large range of handsome coronation pieces variously celebrating either Edward or George (indeed, my impression is he may not have had time to make anything for at least a year that wasn't).

As for the pipe--it's certainly nice enough but definitely presents a few riddles. It appears to be unsmoked and has a lovely "bowling ball" vulcanite stem, but the crown looks to me fairly generic (ie it finesses altogether the awkward question of whether it is honoring the company's long time champion and patron, Edward, or his younger brother).

Nothing about it suggests it was anything other than the sort of luxury souvenir that other retailers were hawking. And that Dunhill had actual made it for one of them personally (which might have justified its regal price). What is curious--if I am reading the blurry scan of its nomenclature is that the pipe appears to date (with a "13") to 1933--which is to say, even if one assumes the nicely executed crown was Dunhill's own work, there's a three-four year gap between the making of the stummel and the addition of this carving. Usually (but not always) completed Dunhill pipes that remained in stock unsold for more than a year received an additional updated stamp (to extend their warranty). But this pipe appears to lack any.

Intriguing.

$400-$500 would be a big purchase for me. Then again, I smoke all the pipes I own. I have no criticism at all for collecting pipes. Sounds fun, but not my thing. Nevertheless, (and to your point) I do not see a way of authenticating a pipe that is purchased via Ebay. At $400-$500 it is a risk... at nearly $4000? If I collected pipes, I would only wager that much within the context of a sanctioned auction house where authenticity is certified in some way.

 

[sablebrush52]

When dealing with this sort of item the buyer really needs to know what he’s looking at.
I’ve seen a number of pipes that give me pause, like pipes with “original” stems that are clearly replacements, pipes with nomenclature that is clearly wrong for the period claimed, and pipes that have had extensive cosmetic surgery to make them appear to be in “lightly used” condition when they are not.

 

[orlandofurioso]

Th

I've been shaking my head with some disbelief at this one's astonishing final price. The 1937 coronation was by equal measures a big deal and something of a fiasco for English luxury good makers. This because of the unexpected abdication of Edward VIII on 10-11 December 1936 with ceremonies scheduled for 12 May. Every imaginable kind of souvenir for every budget were in the works--mugs with royal portraits and coats of arms, etched crystal decanters, porcelain tea sets, beautiful wrought sterling silver objects for desk and table, medals.

Unfortunately for many of Englands most famous brands and retailers quite a lot of Edward VIII merchandise had already been manufactured, one infers, it was already in stores and being sold when the shocking announcement came.

I am a big fan of an art deco London silversmith called "R.E. Stone" who sold to retailers like Asprey, and own quite a number of his surprising large range of handsome coronation pieces variously celebrating either Edward or George (indeed, my impression is he may not have had time to make anything for at least a year that wasn't).

As for the pipe--it's certainly nice enough but definitely presents a few riddles. It appears to be unsmoked and has a lovely "bowling ball" vulcanite stem, but the crown looks to me fairly generic (ie it finesses altogether the awkward question of whether it is honoring the company's long time champion and patron, Edward, or his younger brother).

Nothing about it suggests it was anything other than the sort of luxury souvenir that other retailers were hawking. And that Dunhill had actual made it for one of them personally (which might have justified its regal price). What is curious--if I am reading the blurry scan of its nomenclature is that the pipe appears to date (with a "13") to 1933--which is to say, even if one assumes the nicely executed crown was Dunhill's own work, there's a three-four year gap between the making of the stummel and the addition of this carving. Usually (but not always) completed Dunhill pipes that remained in stock unsold for more than a year received an additional updated stamp (to extend their warranty). But this pipe appears to lack any.

Intriguing.

Thank you for sharing your contemplations Guy, it is very intruing indeed. I noticed the year suffix and wondered.
Cheers,
Roland

 

[ssjones]

I was in this one till the last few seconds. Well bought by someone at $361.

Vintage Comoy's Tradition 256 London England Estate Tobacco Smoking Pipe | eBay

The pipe has wear from usage, scratches, soiling, burn marks, bite marks, and needs to be cleaned. It is about 5" long and the bowl is 1 1/2" tall.

www.ebay.com

 

[ssjones]

I don't think I've ever seen an 8-Dot Danzey (spelled wrong in the ad). Paige Simms was the seller, he did quite well.

Sasieni eight-dot 'Fishtail Era" bent bulldog tobacco pipe | eBay

(1920 to the late 1940s). But we Sasieni fans know that. It looks nicer in person! The pipe is in EXCELLENT condition.

www.ebay.com

 

[ssjones]

I thought this went a little low, an unsmoked Sasieni Ashford Natural, sold by Treasurepipes (the biggest ebay pipe seller, now that Rob Cooper is out of the game?). Six years ago, I bought the same pipe, unsmoked with box and bag, for $377.

SASIENI FOUR DOT NATURAL "ASHFORD" PIPE VINTAGE UNSMOKED | eBay

MARKED: SASIENI FOUR DOT NATURAL "ASHFORD". CONDITION: UNSMOKED. 1 PIPE OR ENTIRE COLLECTIONS. MAKE SURE TO SUPER SIZE THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.

www.ebay.com

 

[jeremiah]

I thought this went a little low, an unsmoked Sasieni Ashford Natural, sold by Treasurepipes (the biggest ebay pipe seller, now that Rob Cooper is out of the game?). Six years ago, I bought the same pipe, unsmoked with box and bag, for $377.

SASIENI FOUR DOT NATURAL "ASHFORD" PIPE VINTAGE UNSMOKED | eBay

MARKED: SASIENI FOUR DOT NATURAL "ASHFORD". CONDITION: UNSMOKED. 1 PIPE OR ENTIRE COLLECTIONS. MAKE SURE TO SUPER SIZE THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.

www.ebay.com

That does seem low, Al. But it's a damn small pipe. I have one that I never smoke, it's just too petite for my tastes.

 

[sablebrush52]

This one was a surprise:

BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD 45 TVF EL ABOUT 5-1/2 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD 45 TVF EL ABOUT 5-1/2 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Two bidders get into a war, and an EL that looks possibly topped, with a stem, oxidized, that doesn't seat and has tooth dents, a fair amount of wear overall, poorly photographed, nets $305.

 

[sablebrush52]

And here's another one, this one a Special, another bidding duel. Blurry photographs, dull stem, rim's been scrubbed and lost color, stem not seated, also an EL, that nets the same amount, $305.

BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD SPECIAL TVF EL ABOUT 6 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD SPECIAL TVF EL ABOUT 6 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[ssjones]

This one was a surprise:

BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD 45 TVF EL ABOUT 5-1/2 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD 45 TVF EL ABOUT 5-1/2 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Two bidders get into a war, and an EL that looks possibly topped, with a stem, oxidized, that doesn't seat and has tooth dents, a fair amount of wear overall, poorly photographed, nets $305.

All rookie Ebay members (2 digit Ebay #'s) guess someone wanted it. Looks easily restored. You'd know better than I on the topped. but if I topped it, I would have removed the light scorch marks, and the nick on one side.

 

[orlandofurioso]

Hi Jesse,
We often seem to follow the same auctions
Rim does not look topped to me , only cleaned and lost color,the refurb probably being a pushover.
Actually I like it a lot, Barlng's bent pipes are not thick on the ground.
I think of this pipe as being a very decent one with good grain . What makes you think it is topped ?
Stellar price nevertheless.

 

[orlandofurioso]

And here's another one, this one a Special, another bidding duel. Blurry photographs, dull stem, rim's been scrubbed and lost color, stem not seated, also an EL, that nets the same amount, $305.

BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD SPECIAL TVF EL ABOUT 6 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BARLING'S MAKE YE OLDE WOOD SPECIAL TVF EL ABOUT 6 INCH LONG USED SMOKING PIPE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

The man is not a thoroughbred pipe seller ( he knows nil about pipes ) and we exchanged a few mails .
He is a very congenial person and earned a good reputation as a seller.
I think most of his pipes to be very attractive ; higher graded and in fine condition.
Admittedly most fetch (too) high prices, I fully agree on that one.

 

[ssjones]

Still a strong market for rare Sasieni's

SASIENI ONE DOT SPECIALLY SELECTED PIPE | eBay

MARKED: SASIENI ONE DOT SPECIALLY SELECTED. 1 PIPE OR ENTIRE COLLECTIONS. MAKE SURE TO SUPER SIZE THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.

www.ebay.com

SASIENI ONE DOT "SPECIALLY SELECTED" PIPE FISH TALE LOGO | eBay

MARKED: SASIENI SPECIALLY SELECTED". 1 PIPE OR ENTIRE COLLECTIONS. MAKE SURE TO SUPER SIZE THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW.

www.ebay.com

 

[ssjones]

I was little bummed to whiff on this 499 Comoy's 2nd line. $27 shipping from England made me hold back a bit. It would have probably gotten lost or seized, so perhaps for the best. I don't think that I've encountered another 499 2nd line.

Vintage Cavendish Extraordinaire London Made Pipe No 499 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Cavendish Extraordinaire London Made Pipe No 499 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[niblicck]

You were not the only one that whiffed Al...my bid came up short as well maybe for the better.

 

[ssjones]

A silver capped Dunhill, military stem 5108 is pretty unusual, but $274 for a pipe with no stem? I guess if you are going to get a replacement stem, that's the easiest one to replicate.

Vtg Tobacco Pipe Bowl 5108 Dunhill AD 925 Sterling Band made England - #37 | eBay

Estate Pick, Tobacco Pipe for sale. We are not, nor do we claim to be experts in any field related to the item for sale.

www.ebay.com

 

[mingc]

A silver capped Dunhill, military stem 5108 is pretty unusual, but $274 for a pipe with no stem? I guess if you are going to get a replacement stem, that's the easiest one to replicate.

Vtg Tobacco Pipe Bowl 5108 Dunhill AD 925 Sterling Band made England - #37 | eBay

Estate Pick, Tobacco Pipe for sale. We are not, nor do we claim to be experts in any field related to the item for sale.

www.ebay.com

The stem--a stem--was sold separately by the same seller. I hope the same person won both!

AD Tobacco Pipe Spigot 925 Silver / fits the DUNHILL AD #37 Pipe Bowl listed | eBay

Estate Pick, Tobacco Pipe Spigot. We are not, nor do we claim to be experts in any field related to the item for sale. using your knowledge and expertise, along with the photos.

www.ebay.com

 

[smokeymo]

Blue Ribands are going for $500 now?! *sad noises*

Estate Comoys Blue Riband | eBay

 

[ssjones]

The stem--a stem--was sold separately by the same seller. I hope the same person won both!

AD Tobacco Pipe Spigot 925 Silver / fits the DUNHILL AD #37 Pipe Bowl listed | eBay

Estate Pick, Tobacco Pipe Spigot. We are not, nor do we claim to be experts in any field related to the item for sale. using your knowledge and expertise, along with the photos.

www.ebay.com

Wow, that's an interesting way to sell a pipe. Good catch! Hopefully the two will be rejoined soon!