My Home for Unwanted Pipes

[tuold]

A lot of times I'll put a bid on an Ebay pipe just because the auction is ending and nobody else has shown any interest. The Medico "Casino" in the back I was not surprised to get. It goes right into the "Sell Later" drawer.
The Dr Grabow "Starfire" was a pleasant surprise to win with a $7.00 bid. It's in very good shape, came nicely cleaned and smokes really well. This is my second older Dr Grabow. I'll definitely be looking out for more of them.
I wonder why they seem to be so underrated and overlooked?

 

[gtclark]

That's a very handsome pipe! Great find! I think a lot of people search names, rather than pipes on e-bay, myself included. I rarely search for Dr. Grabow pipes because it usually turns up lots with pipes I don't particularly want. However, you've inspired me to pay better attention!

 

[mso489]

I think some of the Dr. Grabow line are distinctly underrated. The Royaltons for example, even now. I think you

will do well to scoop these up when you can, for next to nothing. I bought Petersons new when they didn't cost

so much, and I'm pleased with that.

 

[frennchy11]

I have a Grabow Starfire that I picked up at an antique store. It is my favorite smoker and my go to. It also looks a lot like yours there but in a traditional dublin shape.

 

[lurch76]

Nice pipes. I always look for the classic American brands when I am pipe hunting. I cherish them as much as I do my 1933 Dunhill. Most of my collection is older Grabows, Kaywoodies, etc..

 

[petes03]

Those are both great looking pipes, I wouldn't mind owning either of them!

 

[tbradsim1]

Two very nice looking pipes, and such a steal.

 

[jeepnewbie]

I personally just search pipes then adjust the filter to try and get rid of the head shop crap. I found a few pipes like this that I bought.

 

[fadingdaylight]

Hmm, never put much thought into Grabows. You have officially opened my eyes. That is a really good looking lovat.

 

[jah76]

Ditto on the Grabows. I've been really happy with my Starfire and Viscounts.
Enjoy!

 

[tuold]

Frennchy11, You've reminded me to check the local antique shop this weekend. I got my first Grabow there, this "Tru Grain":

Eight bucks for that one and NO shipping :D
They really seem to be good ol' pipes. Not sexy or stylish, but just plain quality. I think I'll go out to the cave and fire that one up now.

 

[cynyr]

I have two Grabows. One is a Crown Duke filter pipe that always satisfies. The second is my current favorite pipe...
It's a generic Grabow pot shape, marked "9711". I bought a junk lot of pipes last year, and this one was stuffed in the bag. Took a long time to clean it up, but I was sure with the thick walls and the well-loved look that it would be a good smoker - and it turned out to be a great smoker. It takes everything I throw at it with nary a gurgle, and really shines with a mild VaBur, like Charlemagne.
Don't reject a well-constructed pipe just on the imprint!

 

[12pups]

Nothing wrong with Grabow by brand, that's for sure. I do have one I don't prefer. It's a freehand with a cone-shaped bowl I think they carved too thin toward the bottom. Great smoke at first, but then gets warm, warmer, sizzling hot -- even if you're only sipping at it.
But my favorite is another Grabow freehand with a more pot-shaped bowl. Just fine. The are big draft pipes. Little puff, big clouds -- which I contrast with my little Kaywoodies. I like my Kaywoodies, but those are "commuting" pipes. Narrow drafts, no clouds to risk even a slight distraction. Burn cool and sweet because of the stinger.
Call me cheap, I guess: Grabows, cobs and Kaywoodies are my favorites. Though when my Savinelli gets back from Laudisi we might revise that.
Nothing wrong with a Grabow.

 

[12pups]

Tuold --
Give you $10. And pay for shipping.
(purty please?)

 

[ejames]

I have two Grabows. One is a Crown Duke filter pipe that always satisfies. The second is my current favorite pipe...
It's a generic Grabow pot shape, marked "9711". I bought a junk lot of pipes last year, and this one was stuffed in the bag. Took a long time to clean it up, but I was sure with the thick walls and the well-loved look that it would be a good smoker - and it turned out to be a great smoker. It takes everything I throw at it with nary a gurgle, and really shines with a mild VaBur, like Charlemagne.
Don't reject a well-constructed pipe just on the imprint!

CYNYR, what shape is that 9711? I can't find that shape number on any of my Grabow charts,but they are not 100% complete. Whatever it is,it is probably pre 1950. Got a pic?

Tuold,I can't see the stem logo on your Tru-Grain but I'd say it is also pre-1950.

 

[ststephen]

Ya know, I've got many cheap pipes- but no Grabows, and nothing that's American. I'll buy a Grabow now if I can hold it in my hands first. You Grabow nuts would do well to check out Euro 2nds- particularly Italians. I've never had one I did not like. I've got a great Mexican Dublin which was a basket deal- took a gret deal of time to break in but it's as good as anything I have, even if the draw is tight. Are these Grabows you guys have filtered or not?

 

[moonman]

I am also guilty for shopping for brand name assuming that they will automatically be good smokers. Think I will give the Grabow's another look. I have to admit I am attracted to some of the styles. Smoked them many years when dubbed just a cheap pipe.

 

[lurch76]

I always thought of them as cheap drugstore pipes too until I started getting some of the older ones. If you can find any of the Sculpturas, Viscounts, Westbrooks, etc.. Very good smokers and well made.

 

[tuold]

12pups wrote:

Give you $10. And pay for shipping.
(purty please?)

Here's a better deal. Let's go down to the antique store and I'll give you first pick from the litter! :D

I do have one I don't prefer. It's a freehand with a cone-shaped bowl I think they carved too thin toward the bottom. Great smoke at first, but then gets warm, warmer, sizzling hot -- even if you're only sipping at it.

I have observed this as well. I'm not so interested in the newer production models.I've got two Masterson freehands of similar design that I prefer much more than the Grabow freehand.
The older ones I have are large pieces of briar but are very light. (Maybe due to aging?) Plus, they have the "stinger" contraption and not the paper filter.
ejames wrote:

Tuold,I can't see the stem logo on your Tru-Grain but I'd say it is also pre-1950.

The stampings are: "Dr. Grabow" in large letters over "TRU GRAIN" in smaller letters.

On the bottom of the shank is stamped: "PAT NO 1896800" The bottom of the bowl has: "Pre Smoked" in cursive and :REG US PAT OFF"
Thanks for the info! A lot my pipes were probably once smoked by "The Greatest Generation" guys. I get a good vibe when I look over the collection and I hope I'm doing a little bit to preserve that small corner of American life gone by. (And maybe relive it in a sort vicarious way)

 

[rangerearthpig]

I would be happy to own either of those pipes. I'd say you scored!