I wouldn't buy one now, but I have several old ones that, while unattractive, still smoke great. But I wouldn't bring it out if there is anybody else around.
An unfinished MM Missouri Pride cob with a Forever Stem is a thing of beauty IMO - both in looks & in function.
Kinda like a pretty farm girl. Not only is she nice to look at and pleasant to be around, she can also stack a load of hay and drive a tractor with competence.
>> do have a butt ugly pipe, its a Castello. -- Monk, I swear. If it ain't Duane always starting things, it's you. Or me. Or Bass, or Salt, or Jaytex, or....
I have a few pipes that I am not crazy about their looks but they are great smokers so I give them a pass. I pretty much stick to traditional shapes so butt ugly pipes are not a real concern.