Trying to Figure Out a Pipes Value.

[locopony]

I have been trying to figure out how much a certain pipe I have is valued at. It was carved by a custom artisan carver who is now dead, and I can not find any more of his pipes. The carver was Charles DiFranco.

Charles Di Franco opened DiFranco’s Pipe & Tobacco Shop in the 1960's. He was a master pipe maker and his sterling reputation was backed up by superior quality and incredible service. Mr. DiFranco has since passed away, but in his honor, DiFranco’s Pipe & Tobacco Shop keep his spirit alive by selling only the finest, highest caliber pipes. His pipes are few and far between, and one would be lucky to obtain one.

This is about the most information I can find on the guy. Other reviews call him "the World Renound Charles DiFranco".
The pipe has a cut stem, is beautifully carved, and smokes a dream. There is no doubt about the quality. And his signature carved into the stummel with gold leaf embedded. The gold leaf is about worn away by me and using the pipe.

 

[numbersix]

My uneducated guess is that it's probably in the $100 or less range, not because it isn't a superb pipe, but lesser knowns just don't seem to carry a high price tag, even though the quality is there.
If they're still in business, maybe drop them a line and see what they say. Sounds like a great pipe.

 

[docwatson]

Pics????

:D

 

[eaglerico]

Not sure if his shop is still open as their website hasn't been updated since 2010. But there contact information is at the top of the site. Worth a call.
http://www.difrancotobacco.com/pipes.html

 

[mso489]

I wonder if hanging onto this pipe might raise the value somewhat. It sounds like it has a lot

going for it, and if you can establish the origins of it (provenance) and keep that with the pipe,

time might increase its value, especially if as numbersix says, it would only sell for around

$100 now. You might get more good out of it in hand, both for smoking and for selling later.

If you have worn off the lettering, you must enjoy the pipe quite a bit. If you bought it new,

consider it a one-owner estate pipe.

 

[romeowood]

The best way to ensure and increase its value? Smoke it.

 

[locopony]

Called the number noone answers, a machine picks up.

 

[mso489]

I think it is great that there are a number of excellent pipe carvers who are available at reasonable prices.

You can get some beautiful pipes, often with special features like unique materials and singular designs,

for what you pay for factory pipes.