Thoughts on this pipe? Peterson Standard Estate

[pylorns]

I just bid on it, can't see myself bidding higher...would you?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERY-NICE-Petersons-Standard-System-Estate-pipe-Clean-ready-to-Smoke-/390653155711?ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:3160

 

[latbomber]

I probably wouldn't go much higher either. There are a fair number of good petes floating around.

 

[drwatson]

Well myself I love the system pipes. It looks super clean and in great shape. Brand new they go for around $100 +. So really it's up to you and your want of it, and $$$ situation. I can only speak for myself but if I wanted it (which I dont, have 3 systems already) I would go as high as $80. But again thats my own take.

 

[pylorns]

Thanks for your input. It looks clean, and I'm in the market for my first Peterson pipe(without breaking the bank)... so I may go up to 60.

 

[drwatson]

Is it just me, or is there something odd looking about the stem and the way it looks on the pipe?

After a close look of the stem it may be a replacement stem. The "p" looks very much like what I have seen done on replacements. Also I could be wrong on this one, but I dont think Peterson ever stamped the "p" on the system pipes?

 

[flakyjakey]

I wouldn't. I agree with the latest comments - in the UK we would call it a "speccy" lot - highly speculative!

 

[petes03]

Looks like a nice clean "302" System! If you could get it for $80 or less, I'd say you'd be getting a good deal. Good luck!

 

[pylorns]

Thanks!

 

[numbersix]

I never bid on a pipe until the very end - even if no one has made a bid.
My advice: use esnipe and when you bid and ask yourself "will I be upset if I lose it for $5", if the answer is yes, go higher (without getting too ridiculous of course). I hate to say it, but sniping is the only way to win a pipe at a reasonable price (or any price for that matter).

 

[teufelhund]

+1 numbersix... A lot of the time I just fish for newly listed buy it nows. I got a decent pete for $40 that just needed a little TLC.

 

[teufelhund]

Speak of the devil; A pete meer for 47.50 and as I'm tapped for the next two weeks. have at it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peterson-Meerschaum-Estate-Pipe-/271272116863?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2914027f

 

[taerin]

After a close look of the stem it may be a replacement stem. The "p" looks very much like what I have seen done on replacements. Also I could be wrong on this one, but I dont think Peterson ever stamped the "p" on the system pipes?

Your 100% correct drwatson, I purchased a brand new Pete System 305 a couple years ago and there's no "p" on the stem.

 

[patrickshannonadair]

My only input is of the Ebay variety. Never, ever bid until the last 6-8 seconds. Use a snipe program (esnipe.com is great) . Bidding with days/hours left simply drives the final price up. I work in an auction house on the weekends and generally follow the same methodology.

 

[teufelhund]

I just hate it when I think I'm going to end up with a great deal and those three little words ruin my day, "Reserve Not Met."

 

[pylorns]

@teufelhund I'm going to watch it, but I doubt I'll get that one.

@umbersix very familiar with sniping - just was unaware how bad it is in the pipe community.

 

[haroldt]

Nice looking pipe. As a seller on eBay, I hate it when people wait till the end to bid. As a buyer... I generally wait!
Would how many folks you will be bidding against that come from this web site??

 

[erichbaumer]

My only question is, where was that meer during the Summer when I could spend money?!?!

 

[rebornbriar]

After a close look of the stem it may be a replacement stem. The "p" looks very much like what I have seen done on replacements. Also I could be wrong on this one, but I dont think Peterson ever stamped the "p" on the system pipes?

Being a pipe restorer from Ireland, I have handled literally hundreds of these pipes from all eras. These are my thoughts.
As quoted above, I have NEVER seen a P logo stamped on a system stem. Also, that stem doesn't seem to be seated correctly in the shank. I bet the bowl would fall off the stem easily. Replacement Peterson stems are not a one-fits-all solution. Every shank is different and it is best if replacement stems are custom fitted.
Also, as regards Petersons - the older the briar the better. The markings on the nickel collar points this out to be fairly modern production. The best briar is in the Pre-Republic pipes so always look out for these within your budget. If your budget doesn't stretch to a pre-Republic model, go for the ones that have the 3 faux hallmarks on the collars of the shamrock, tower and prone fox. These will give a much better smoke than the modern era pipes.

 

[hfearly]

Be careful ... those System Standard Estates are a nightmare to *really* clean inside...