Looking At A German "Hunter" Pipe On eBay

[michaelmirza]

I've seen a number of these German "hunter/hunting" estate pipes on eBay and Etsy. This one intrigues me because it has a newer replacement stem (Oom Paul-esque), plus the bid is only around $10. Any experience with these? I know they are sometimes novelties over real workhorses so I won't invest much. This particular seller claims to normally restore his puppies before selling, but thinks this one is fine us without cleaning. What would I use to polish the metal if I won it? Listing: http://m.ebay.com/itm/German-Bruyere-Garantie-Style-Smoking-Pipe-/231840250319?nav=SEARCH
Thanks for any input.

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[michaelmirza]

Heh, that's valid. I thought about that, but I also wanted to see if there are any concerns with it before I bid.

 

[gloucesterman]

Beware, none of the pictures show the pipe disassembled. If it won't come apart there is no way to clean whatever might have built up in those bends. I'd ask for a picture of the pipe disassembled otherwise you might end up with a nice conversation piece.

 

[michaelmirza]

Good call, Gloucesterman! Thank you. I messaged the seller and he promptly sent a picture of the pipe disassembled. The tenon looks a little grimy but other than that it seems fine. Shouldn't be too hard to clean out.

 

[tuold]

I dunno. With that short replacement stem your nose is going to be right over the bowl!

 

[michaelmirza]

Tuold, I could see how that might be true, but probably not much more than any other nosewarmer. Plus that windcap could help.