The Ugly Side of Buying Estate Pipes

[Dshift]

After three weeks of waiting for this specific lot to arrive and being all kinds of excited about it, it finally arrived and it's one of the worst surprises i have ever gotten so far. All of the issues were not described and hidden on the listing's photos...

Four pipes all together and a nice bouquet of unexpected issues:
The 317 has some burn damage on the side of the bowl.
Non original stem on the Irish whiskey 221.
Not an inkling of stamp left on the top pipe(please help identify the shape at least)
I am not sure but maybe a crack on the Clay and some good sized chips on rim and side. The ones on the first photo are not an issue at all for me, they give character.

 

[sablebrush52]

Why not just send them back? If bought on eBay any undisclosed issues allow you to unwind the sale.

I’ve received a few clunkers and every one went back.

 

[Hillcrest]

After three weeks of waiting for this specific lot to arrive and being all kinds of excited about it, it finally arrived and it's one of the worst surprises i have ever gotten so far. All of the issues were not described and hidden on the listing's photos...
View attachment 427061
Four pipes all together and a nice bouquet of unexpected issues:
The 317 has some burn damage on the side of the bowl.View attachment 427062
Non original stem on the Irish whiskey 221.View attachment 427066
Not an inkling of stamp left on the top pipe(please help identify the shape at least)View attachment 427063
I am not sure but maybe a crack on the Clay and some good sized chips on rim and side. The ones on the first photo are not an issue at all for me, they give character.View attachment 427065View attachment 427064

Sorry to hear that but sounds like you have a challenge ahead. What would the size of that clay be if it was briar.... 312 ?

 

[GardenStateoftheArtBriar]

Jesse is right
Just open a dispute if necessary

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

If not happy, send them back. Also, “remember the Seller” so you can avoid in the future if the blemishes weren’t described in the listing or otherwise revealed before purchase. Best! ️

 

[bootlegpipes]

Depending on what you paid you might be able to still make a profit because your resto work looks so good. But I'm with the other guys about sending it back.

If not happy, send them back. Also, “remember the Seller” so you can avoid in the future if the blemishes weren’t described in the listing or otherwise revealed before purchase. Best! ️

This is also sage advice.

 

[xrundog]

Yeah, the occasional seller looks to deceive. It’s a drag. But you’ll keep them anyway, won’t you?

 

[ThermionicScott]

Hopefully you didn't spend a lot. eBay was how I first padded out my pipe collection, just bidding on cheap stuff that still looked serviceable.

 

[telescopes]

I was looking at a Dunhill that the seller wanted $199. The description was all praise and high marks for the pipe. The pipe had been abused and misused, missing its white dot as well. However, the bones of the pipe were enough that an offer of $100 would be reasonable enough. The response to my inquiry was a big no thank you. It's either dishonesty or an obtuse view point that ignores reality.

 

[Sea Lord]

That is one reason why I never buy pre-smoked pipes. There's enough shite to deal with when it comes to new pipes that I don't need this kind of deceiving on top of it.

 

[FLDRD]

View attachment 427061

I could swear I have one in that top shape but I can't remember or find the shape # by searching...
Maybe I'm thinking of a Savinelli Dry System that I've had...

 

[HeavyLeadBelly]

That is one reason why I never buy pre-smoked pipes. There's enough shite to deal with when it comes to new pipes that I don't need this kind of deceiving on top of it.

There are places like Smoking Pipes that offer estate pipes that have been restored and are in great condition. I wouldn't dismiss estates outright.

eBay and Etsy are a crapshoot tho.

 

[HeadMisfit]

didnt they have PHOTOS on that sellers page?

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

I was looking at a Dunhill that the seller wanted $199. The description was all praise and high marks for the pipe. The pipe had been abused and misused, missing its white dot as well. However, the bones of the pipe were enough that an offer of $100 would be reasonable enough. The response to my inquiry was a big no thank you. It's either dishonesty or an obtuse view point that ignores reality.

Indeed! A piece of crap with the name of Dunhill on it is still a piece of crap. ️

 

[Dshift]

didnt they have PHOTOS on that sellers page?

They basically had 4 or 5 photos - one of all the pipes but just one the good side and q couple of close ups of some stamps

 

[Dshift]

Yeah about returning - refunds(partial or full) are ok but returns are sometimes too cumbersome, like in this case... I have paid import fees and those are always such a hassle to get back...

 

[Dshift]

There are places like Smoking Pipes that offer estate pipes that have been restored and are in great condition. I wouldn't dismiss estates outright.

eBay and Etsy are a crapshoot tho.

I am restoring pipes so there are very few issues that are too big and ebay prices are just not comparable to smoking pipes.

 

[Dshift]

Yeah, the occasional seller looks to deceive. It’s a drag. But you’ll keep them anyway, won’t you?

I don't get why they would do that intentionally, since ebay has a pretty good refund/return policy.

 

[Dshift]

Sorry to hear that but sounds like you have a challenge ahead. What would the size of that clay be if it was briar.... 312 ?

312 or 314 I believe

 

[HeadMisfit]

I don't get why they would do that intentionally, since ebay has a pretty good refund/return policy.

well i know the refund system has changed twice in the last 3 years. However it still requires lots of loopholes.

And although if the item is HEAVY, as in over 20 pounds shipping weight the ebay system does let teh seller void the mandatory return for a refund if they dont want to send you a return shipping label.