I solved this problem by getting both, new and estates. I have had overall pretty happy results with both. I have bought quite a few of my estate pipes through The Danish Pipe Shop and have been very pleased with them. The pipes always come fully restored and ready to smoke, so factor that in when comparing their prices to something like Ebay. They have a good selection of vintage English estates, as well as Dunhill estates as well as an excellent selection of new Dunhills. I have been extremely happy with my Dunhill's, both new and estate, they are simply fanstastic smoking pipes and well worth it, if you can afford what they are asking. Unfortunately for myself, seeing the new 2024 prices, I think I am now probably priced out of Dunhill's, unless I manage to find some great estate deal.
But if you like British pipes, I have to mention Ian Walker of Northern Briars. I have only one so far, a Rox cut (sandblast) Canadian and I am extremely pleased with it so far. For about 1/4 to 1/3 of the price of a Dunhill equivalent, you get a brand new handmade pipe with a hand cut stem. It smokes like a dream, from the first bowl it has smoked as well as one of my well broken in top quality English pipes. Like I said, I am very, very happy and I think I will be directing any future pipe purchases his way. As much as I love my Dunhill's old and new, as far as Im concerned, they can sell them all to the wealthy Asian collectors at these prices. My next pipe will be a Northern Briars.