I really like the style, proportions, the stem treatment, and rustication patterns. Nice hunk of wood! For 30 clams, how could you go wrong?
IF it's your first pipe, ever.....do it justice and learn how to enjoy smoking it. You-tube has great videos that explain the whole ritual, and tobacco choices. Please, please, treat yourself to a good blend, one that is not overly flavored with chemicals, and aromatics. Ask members of this forum to recommend a good mild-medium blend of tobaccos for the beginner smoker. Above all....relax, and smoke slowly.
Hope you love joining the club of pipe-smokers. It's a dying art.....revive it.
Again, nice pipe. Enjoy the learning curve.
Frank
NYC