My 1st Overseas eBay Auction / Dunhill DR

[iamn8]

I've always avoided participating in eBay auctions overseas. However, after seeing a seriously good deal followed by a brief phone call with eBay and assurances I'm protected, I bid in the auction. Also the seller had very good history. Upon receiving the pipe I'll be sending it to Ric @ Briarville to have it restored. How much did I get for you might ask? $325!

 

[iamn8]

I had the same thought and was assured it's original. If it turns out not to be I could get my money back, but even so it's a sweet deal even if had no stem.

 

[iamn8]

Interesting opinion. Thanks!

 

[ssjones]

Bubblehead - none of those shots show the full button profile or the dot - what characteristics make it a replacement stem?

 

[gloucesterman]

I agree with SS. There isn't enough in the pictures to make that call.

 

[iamn8]

 

[iamn8]

 

[dixie]

That is a sweet pipe and great deal...I know those DR's are not easy to come by. Congrats on a great find and a beautiful pipe with amazing grain. Please post when the restore is done!

 

[ssjones]

Coincidentally, MLC has the auction linked on another thread and I saw those other stem pictures. I don't have the Dunhill expertise to say that is a replacement. (I'd be curious to see what George D thought)

 

[georged]

The flare (fishtail) profile is wrong, and both the button depth and profile is wrong. Strangely, the two biggest replica giveaways---the side profile of the entire stem and stem/shank leveling---both look pretty good.
The dot is inconclusive. Looks pretty big, but some of them of the period were.
My conclusion? Most likely, a molded stem was decently finished and fitted.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GREAT-VINTAGE-1982-ALFRED-DUNHILL-DR-DEATH-ROOT-STRAIGHT-GRAIN-PIPE-/131536965453?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea036cf4d&nma=true&si=QrKbx45vHfeucg7c2L%252FfGPpGXI8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[ssjones]

I read and learn. Good eye Bubblehead and George. Thanks for the details!

 

[wyfbane]

Nate, I don't know enough to weigh in on the stem.
What I can say is that it is a damn fine looking pipe. I am thinking, if you bought it to smoke, you got a helluva deal.
Congrats!

 

[sablebrush52]

At that price point you did well assuming that the condition of the bowl and chamber is good, regardless of the stem. Claims that a stem is "original" on a very old pipe are unprovable and meaningless. Even when the stem is a factory made one, it might just be a replacement supplied by the maker. The top drawer British makes had repair departments to handle their clientele's needs. I do agree that the stem looks a little off, but who cares?