Stanwell HCA Issue Opinions?

[PapaCoolDown]

Okay, I need some opinions. I ordered my first Stanwell and it’s an HC Andersen. My first issue is that it doesn’t match the pictures posted on P&C’s website (pic 1&2). The pics show brushed sides with a polished rim. The pipe arrived brushed on the rim which doesn’t look great to me. Also, when I look at the bowl from the top I can see that it is off center from the outside wall of the pipe. My need for symmetry is going crazy and I can’t handle the bowl hole being off center.
Am I crazy and too sensitive or should I return this to P&C for a refund?

 

[sablebrush52]

If you are unhappy, return the pipe. As for the "off center" chamber, the images posted from P&C show that that's how this model is drilled, which has to do with the angle of the bowl and centering the chamber within that shape.

Personally, I've never had an issue with any of my HCA pipes.

 

[bullet08]

If you haven't smoked it yet, return it. The pipe looks very much like what's in the ad. But if you don't like it, ask for refund. If you don't like it, you won't smoke it.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yeh, to me, buying a new Italian made Stanwell is like buying a Rolex from a guy selling them out of his trunk at the mall. You will own something that says Rolex, but...

Look for the older Danish made ones in the estate market. You'll be more likely to get one made by Eltang or Ivarsson, or at least designed and overseen by them. These new ones... are not even Stanwells anymore, as the Barontini company is running these products now.

Plus, why are you shopping at P&C? Do you just like to pay a company to abuse you, ha ha.

 

[fireground_piper]

My first issue is that it doesn’t match the pictures posted on P&C’s website (pic 1&2).

First issue indeed!

 

[PapaCoolDown]

If you are unhappy, return the pipe. As for the "off center" chamber, the images posted from P&C show that that's how this model is drilled, which has to do with the angle of the bowl and centering the chamber within that shape.

Personally, I've never had an issue with any of my HCA pipes.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I can see the chamber is supposed to be drilled at a slight angle. That’s fine. The chamber is off slightly from left to right. It’s like it was sanded too much on one side.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

P&C doesn't use the pictures of the actual pipes that you will get. They never have. They also usually just sell cheaper brands and off brands that you won't really see at the bigger pipe retailers, or just the factory runs from some bigger companies.

The off centered chamber is barely noticeable to me, but since you do notice it, you can "try" to get P&C to take the return, but good luck with that. Reports on here seem to indicate that P&C has a "tough shit once it's in your hands" policy.

 

[MattRVA]

Welcome to the first of many disappointments from ordering online. No slight intended. I’m like you with a penchant for perfection. One thing I’ve learned In the past few years is to allow a little room for disappointment, especially when ordering from P&C. I’m sure the pipe is fine for all practical purposes but I totally understand your disappointment.

 

[Briarcutter]

Supposed to have a smooth top, send it back.

 

[telescopes]

I’ve not had issues with P&C, but as others have noted, they tend to sell next rung pipes without accurate pictures of the exact pipe you will be getting. Sometimes the price for the pipe is compelling enough that I buy it - yes, Stanwell HCA is not the Stanwell if old, but for the price you paid you have a great pipe. But if it going to bother you, send it back.

 

[The Libertine]

I haven't had issues with P&C on a return. I had a HCA with a cracked stem and they sent me a new pipe overnight.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I haven't had issues with P&C on a return.

Lets hope that this is a standard for them going forward.

 

[The Libertine]

Lets hope that this is a standard for them going forward.

They seem to have gotten better at the whole customer service area.

 

[anotherbob]

They seem to have gotten better at the whole customer service area.

YAY!!!

 

[PapaCoolDown]

First issue indeed!

Right. I like the look of the brushed sides with stained rim. Not at all like what I received.

 

[PapaCoolDown]

Yeh, to me, buying a new Italian made Stanwell is like buying a Rolex from a guy selling them out of his trunk at the mall. You will own something that says Rolex, but...

Look for the older Danish made ones in the estate market. You'll be more likely to get one made by Eltang or Ivarsson, or at least designed and overseen by them. These new ones... are not even Stanwells anymore, as the Barontini company is running these products now.

Plus, why are you shopping at P&C? Do you just like to pay a company to abuse you, ha ha.

I guess I don’t know enough about them to have a bias. They had a great price with some sales so I ordered.
Any specific issues you have had with them in the past?

 

[PapaCoolDown]

Supposed to have a smooth top, send it back.

Yep. I think that’s the plan.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Any specific issues you have had with them in the past?

Stanwell in the past are actually some of my favorite pipes. I am biased against their new ones, because they sell pipes with their name on them, but the company is not even in existence, but in name only.

Or, did you mean "did I have a problem with P&C?" If so, no, I've never had a problem myself, but it seems like P&C has pissed on and off many of our forum members.

 

[K.E. Powell]

My experiences with Pipes and Cigars has been exceptionally good, though I typically only order from them if a new Stanwell catches my eye or if they have a really amazing sale. I try to buy my tobacco local, and SP is just better for pipes all around. I will say P&C does use generic stock images for their pipes, sadly. Even so, the difference in the picture and what you got is very obvious. I'd request a return.

As for Stanwell pipes themselves? The new ones are made in Italy, so some of the old heads who were enamored with Stanwell's past with famous Danish carvers are quick to hate on the new pipes. Which is understandable. But I have Danish and Italian Stanwell pipes, and both tend to punch way above their weight given their asking price. Estate Stanwell pipes are surprisingly cheap and easy to come by, so if you see one in good shape that catches your fancy, then definitely pull the trigger. I'm actually surprised they haven't become more collectible like old Petersons are.

 

[sablebrush52]

I personally never had any issues with P&C. But after seeing the crap they put Woodsroad through due to a screw up on their part, I closed my account with them.
As for the issue the OP has, if you're unhappy with the pipe you received, return it.