But apparently the "bead line" didn't show when the pipe in the original post was received, but showed up later. That's interesting. So "fix it" with Elmer's or just let it be a bead line.
The way the picture is oriented, the crack is the zigzag running to the right of the bead line. That's what I see, anyway. Elmer's should take care of that.
I have exterior expansion cracks in some of my 'finished' cobs and their insides are fine.
I do have a similarly shaped cob, a shire, that was troublesome for developing leaks and cracked like an egg.
I used plaster of paris on it on the outside to fill the cracks. I became disenchanted with this pipe. I think it still needs work around the joint of bowl and shank. It still seems to leak air on the draw.
So, I have a MM cob with cracked shank. They already sent me return label. But, Im not sure if I'm gonna have them repair it. Put ton of Gorilla wood glue on it and now it smokes fine. Funny thing is, it dried clear.
Take them up on their offer.
"Gorilla Glue is harmful by inhalation, and irritating to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. If Gorilla Glue is ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal blockage, and medical attention should be sought immediately." Is Gorilla Glue Toxic When Heated? - Ceramics (expandusceramics.com)