Assuming these are the same pipe (and I would bet my eye teeth they are), the "before" listing and "after" listing illustrate how a pipe's pre-restoration condition and history are obscured. Also, I would not say that this pipe was "very gently used."My only reservation with heavily restored pipes is that it often masks a pipe's history, prior condition, and potential issues and the restoration is never detailed.
Good catch! It's the same pipe. Look at the grain pattern. This is why I don't buy from Great Estates. I see the tweaks, toppings, etc in the offerings. He also sells some pipes that are pretty solid. The cosmetic restoration is extensive, but cosmetics don't ameliorate possible structural weaknesses due to hard use.Assuming these are the same pipe (and I would bet my eye teeth they are), the "before" listing and "after" listing illustrate how a pipe's pre-restoration condition and history are obscured. Also, I would not say that this pipe was "very gently used."
I don't have a problem with that. The original seller described it as "exc/cond". For its age, I would agree. (minimal rim damage, no stem damage)attesting to the care taken of this wonderfully preserved vintage pipe. Just look at it, and you'll see just how well taken care of it is. Aged briar at it's best!
This is the part of the description to which I was referring (emphasis mine):To be clear, here is the comment from the Treasurepipes ad:
attesting to the care taken of this wonderfully preserved vintage pipe. Just look at it, and you'll see just how well taken care of it is. Aged briar at it's best!
I don't have a problem with that. The original seller described it as "exc/cond". For its age, I would agree. (minimal rim damage, no stem damage)
There is also this:This Sasieni is in very gently used condition, and promises more enjoyment to it's next owner!
Well, now it does....it has a clean, crisp rim...
I thought that might just be camera angle and my eyes, but maybe not.In the first auction, there is a great variation of the thickness of the chamber walls clearly visible, in the second, much less so.......
No doubt Buroak,By the way, misterlowercase, the Frenchy article is both a fun read and a reminder about what a pipe really is. All too easily do I get wrapped up in the minutiae of nomenclature...
In the "after" listing:Measurements are approximate.
Length: 5 1/4"
Bowl height: 1 1/2"
Diameter Outside: 1 1/8" Inside: 3/4" Bowl Depth: 1 1/4"
Weight: 26 grams
So, the chamber diameter increased and the pipe lost weight. Of course, measurements are sometimes imprecisely taken and the pipe would have lost some weight when cake and gunk are removed.Dimensions: 5-1/2” long, 1-9/16” tall, 1-1/8" wide, with a 13/16" chamber diameter.
WEIGHT: 23 grams
That is quite possible. The build-up/char does also play tricks on my eyes. I am still not certain.I just don't see any variation in the bowl walls. In the before picture, the rim build-up obscures the 12 o-clock and the picture isn't very crisp.
I imagine the buyer will be happy with the pipe, and I do not doubt the integrity of his photos. I watched the original listing out of my love for old panel shapes, but I was put off by the condition. The state of the rim and the exterior darkening of the bowl walls had me worried about the pipe's structural state. It almost looked as if there was shrinkage in the wood. I was mistaken on that count, as much of what I saw seems to have been external grime. I still take issue with the claim that this pipe was "very gently used".I'd be completely happy with the condition of the restored pipe, I suspect it looked exactly like the pictures, he takes returns if I weren't happy. (and by all accounts aims to please his large customer base). It looks about 14 bidders agree with me!
Misterlowercase, Humor and cobs are necessary correctives to serious study and obsession with pedigree. Transcribing even a short article is tedious, so you have my gratitude.Although I greatly appreciate the hard info which has been brought to light with regards to serious study & scholarship, it would all be a bit dry if we didn't also have a sense of humor too, I think it is important to have a balance as well, we should be able to laugh at ourselves and just simply enjoy everything.
Those sentiments were so very clearly expressed by Frenchy and it is why I took the time with the trouble of sitting here and manually transcribing the story - it was totally worth the small time it took, and I'm glad people have enjoyed reading it.
Al, take a look at a clearer picture from the before listing,I just don't see any variation in the bowl walls. In the before picture, the rim build-up obscures the 12 o-clock and the picture isn't very crisp.