On The Danger Of Making Assumptions

[sablebrush52]

Looking at eBay listings today I came across this interesting listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENGLISH-ESTATE-PIPE-BARLING-881-V-c-1920-1925-/361964929539?hash=item5446ca8203:g:5mUAAOSwX61ZAn~s
The seller has dated the pipe based on the stem, which is an orific stem. The pipe's shank stampings are correct for a 1940's or later pipe. Barling did not stamp model numbers under the logo until the late 1920's, and then only rarely, but they didn't use a TVF stamp at that time. The TVF stamp came into common use after WW2. The Barling's Make stamp is correct for the 1940's and later and doesn't resemble the early 1920's stamp. The stem being orific is indicative of nothing, especially as this is a military mount. The stem could have come from anywhere. Also, Barling offered military mounts in sterling and gold in the early part of the 20th century, but not in plastic. Just a reminder to maintain a healthy skepticism with claims.

 

[ashdigger]

Yep, I steer way, way, way away from that seller. EVERYTHING seems odd with their listings. I'll leave it at that.

 

[fluffie666]

It's strange how people want to know everything. At the very least, they want to be perceived as knowledgeable. As I understand it, all the information someone could possibly want about Barling is out there. It does take some time to read the information and put it all together properly. But as sablebrush pointed out, it can be done. The sad thing is, there doesn't seem to be much ethic put into the accuracy of describing collectables. I'm not picking on eBay. This is not only a trend but it's a common practice in the collectable market. There is always room for error in the details. Blatent disregard and false manipulation of the details is a terrible thing. Honestly, I don't follow eBay sellers enough to say if that is what's going on with the Barling or not. Unfortunately, the market is what it is. The moral, I suppose, is to do the research before making a purchase. Can't ever go by anyone's words.