Northern Briars, Quality?

[Bandik]

Hey guys, I kept hearing good things about Northern Briars on this forum so I took the plunge and got two. Here are a couple photos of each. I’m wondering if my expectations were too high or if I have a reason to be disappointed in the two I got? What’s seen and not seen in the photos - On one pipe the silver is deeply scratched, misshapen with adhesive coming out the end and pitting on the smooth pipe. The other one with the Celtic band also has adhesive spilling out and does not line up to make flush at all, there’s also chatter marks on the chamfer on the rusticated pipe. What do you guys think? I understand that these pipes are on the more affordable side in comparison to other artisan brands.

 

[Bandik]

I have NORTHERN BRIARS " Calabash', bought from a very reputable English store : the pipe- is Fine, smokes great, but after ~~ 4~~5 years of ownership, and very light usage ( my rotation is substantial...),---the SILVER BAND--suddenly---became loose. I just keep the pipe as--is, not a ''big deal'',-careful about keeping the Silver Band- in place, but was a little surprised.......( quality-wise)