Replaced Stems, Do They Tell You Something?

[snagstangl]

I have some pipes with them. I have done some myself. Ideally I prefer to have the original or replacement already fitted if I buy it. It usually isn't a deal breaker if I like the pipe. A quality brand at $10 for the bowl sometimes makes me pull the trigger.
Do you think a replacement stem usually goes on a good smoker one can't part with? Or is it the refuge of some frugal minded fellow who doesn't want to lay out the cash for whole new pipe if he can just replace the stem for a fraction of the price? Something else?

 

[warren]

Probably a bit of both. For me, 50 years ago, it meant that I was holding the bit with my canines, rather than seating it comfortably back on my molars. I pierced a lot of bits in my early days. I don't keep "bad" smoking pipes long enough to bite through or deform a bit.
I can now afford repairs, early on I repaired as I could and found a way to smoke with distorted or pierced bits. So, in the not too distant future, when the kids sell off my "bunch o'pipes" you can rest assured that you will be getting good smokers all.

 

[buroak]

Several factors help me roughly determine the meaning of replacement stem on a pipe. These are the factors that most frequently enter into my assessment of an estate pipe.
1. A quality replacement stem that has been used, especially a hand cut stem, matching a good pipe maker's original is a sign that a pipe was well-loved, albeit not always treated with kid gloves. I do not see this situation as a red flag.
2. A replacement stem on a very old pipe just tells me that the stem succumbed to age and use before the good old briar, all other things being equal. I might be more cautious here, but this situation is also not a glaring sign of danger.
3. A replacement stem on a battered pipe offers yet another indication that the pipe was abused, especially if the replacement stem is poorly fitted to the pipe. This situation is a red flag.
4. A replacement stem on a pipe restored for resale does not really tell me that much. I look for other indicators of the pipe's condition.

 

[blueeyedogre]

I have a few pipes with new stems and will probably look for old estate bowls over complete pipes for a while because I have a craving for a black blasted billiard with a turquoise stem. That and I prefer lucite over vulcan stems.

 

[peteguy]

Maybe it says nothing more than the previous owner was Dracula.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

My definition of what a "good smoker" is, is one that fits my smoking style. One great smoker for me, may be a drippy, gurgley mess for someone else. I don't adhere to the philosophy that there are great smokers out there. Any pipe can be smoked, and with a little practice any pipe can be a great smoker.
For example, if I learn how to drive with a dually pickup truck, when I first get into a Lamborghini, I might just think that those car suck because they don't readily fit the way I've learned to drive. And, vice versa.
So, what a replacement stem means to me, is nothing at all. However, one thing that I might be weary of is how open a new pipe stem might be for my own style. Many of the inject casted stems out there are just way too narrow for me. Even if the draft is drilled to a 3mm opening, the stem may only be a 2mm. This is why I prefer to carve my own stems.
At this point in my smoking, I know what I prefer in a pipe. The whole "briar" argument just hasn't presented itself to me as an issue. If the chamber is what I like in measurement, the draft, and the way the stem is drilled, I'm happy. I have a range of artisan and quality factory pipes including Dunhill and Castellos, and I just don't get the whole briar argument. My customized Grabows and no-name stummels perform just as well, once I have tampered with them a little. But, I like to tinker. That's just a part of how I find pleasure in this hobby, fitting the pipe to my style.
I know the myths will persist. I think many find this a part of their enjoyment also. But, I just wanted to throw my .02 into the mix.

 

[ssjones]

I don't have any pipes with replacement stems, so I guess the original stem means enough to me that I've sought for pipes such equipped.

If the replacement was of the same material and made by a good repairman, it wouldn't bother me. It would decrease the value of the pipe and I would expect the selling price would reflect the replacement stem.

 

[brass]

So, my presumption that having the original stem increases the retail value of the pipe? What if the stem has bite marks.

 

[snagstangl]

Resale is helped by original stems, especially if it is anything sort of collectible that has a specific logo. I was looking at Parker panel billiard i have. The rim is covered with grime and has been since I got it. the stem is comfortable but not an original, it doesn't match the square shank but i think it is a case of this was a good smoker so lets just replace the bit.
Bite marks usually lower the price of a pipe but severity makes all the difference.

 

[ssjones]

Yep, even damaged, original stems are still a plus, to a damage point.