Unused Dunhill??

[sk806]

Hello Everyone. So, I got this Dunhill Prince from eBay at a decent price. It was listed as NIB, but didn't come in a box and I am not convinced it's new. It looks reamed to me, and I found the draft hole plugged with wood shavings. I attach a link to some pictures for your perusal, including the wood shavings and what a pipe cleaner looked like after a pass through the draft hole. What do you think?
If the pictures don't show, I'll try something else...
https://goo.gl/photos/Hg1wRBjFKuJPTm4j6
EDIT: Also, the vulcanite stem is green on top. Is this sun bleaching? Could this happen in a box?
Thanks!
Steve

 

[sk806]

I just wanted to add that, if this post is in the wrong place, I apologize. I have never bought a pipe that is less than brand spanking from a store, so I figured this was a noobie question. Mods, feel free to move if this isn't the right place. Thanks!

 

[tschiraldi]

Doesn't look new to me. I've never had a pipe cleaner come out black on a new pipe. Still, it's a beauty and appears to be in great shape! If it was reamed, it looks to have been done evenly, the rim is not disfigured. If the price was right, I wouldn't be too concerned. How's it smoke?

 

[mso489]

It does not sound new to me. I can't open the photos. It is at least shelf worn if the stem is oxidized (green). If it was a rock bottom price for a Dunhill, you might want to keep it, if the bowl isn't chewed up inside. Look at the pipe and consider the price, and decide if it's a still good deal. I don't buy on ebay, but I understand this kind of misrepresentation, if that's what it is, is common.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Agree. It's a nice looking pipe!

 

[sk806]

It is beautiful, I agree. I also don't mind if it has been smoked before, as it is in great shape, but I don't like the fact that it was advertised as new in a box, when it wasn't. I am hoping the seller will refund me a little bit, I keep the pipe, and we are all happy (I hope he's not reading this, but I likely will keep it in any event...:.
I just wanted some advice, as I am a rank amateur. Thanks, all.
Steve

 

[scrooge]

Congrats!

 

[mso489]

Bowl looks smoked but in good shape.

 

[dmcmtk]

Question: What year production is the pipe? This will give you some idea of how long it may have been sitting around collecting dust wherever it was. Also, some oxidation on the stem would be normal if it has just been sitting, otherwise the stem looks to be in perfect condition. Smell the interior of the bowl, if it has been smoked there may be a trace of burnt tobacco smell. All in all, from your pictures, it appears to be in excellent condition.

 

[codecreatively]

It looks like it's been smoked once or twice. You can still see the drill radiations in the bowl (is that what they're called?). If you paid a premium because it was advertised as new, I'd contact the seller to inquire and show him/her the photos.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

It looks like it's been smoked once or twice.

I agree, and it raises a question for me that I've wondered about. I saw a pipe the other day marketed in the estate section on an online retailer website as 'unsmoked', but I know it was smoked because I smoked it two or three times. I've never understood this, but have seen it before. It sounds like this eBay seller may have done something similar. I guess it must be acceptable to do, but I don't really know?

 

[sk806]

I got this pipe for a pretty good price, even for an estate, so I am not that concerned, I just don't like dishonesty. I think it's from 2014, as it has the "white spot" branding and says "14" after England (is that right?).
@mothernature - I am not sure if sellers treat an extremely lightly smoked pipe as unsmoked. If so, it still smacks of dishonesty, IMHO. In this case, I think perhaps the seller was not a pipe smoker and maybe thought it was new? I looked at his feedback and saw a couple of pipes there, along with vintage smoking paraphernalia, all with good feedback, before I bought it, so I don't know. I am trying to see the best in people, so I'll chalk it up to a mistake.
In any event, it is an awesome looking (and hopefully smoking) pipe, and I'm going to try it asap. I was waiting to hear back from the seller, but WTF, its a beautiful night for November and my latest tobacco haul is calling my name...
Thanks, everyone. This forum is the best.
Steve

 

[sk806]

Here's the pipe, sorry for the glare, I stink at photography...

(edit: fixed your photo, you have to use the IMG function to insert the URL)

 

[ssjones]

Wow, that is a great shape! I'm with Dave, it if was smoked, it was only once/twice. To me, inside the shank looks more like stain residue than from smoking. I'd shine the stem and enjoy that one. The stem work on those White Dots is very good, by my experience.

 

[sk806]

(edit: fixed your photo, you have to use the IMG function to insert the URL)

Thank you. I tried that, but it didn't seem to work. I appreciate it.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I'm a fan of post 2012 Dunhills, and it's a nice pipe. It is a little strange for a two year old pipe to have so much oxidation? It must have been stored in direct sunlight? Smoke it and enjoy it! ::

 

[jabo]

Nice pipe. Enjoy and don't worry. It's yours now ! :D

 

[jpmcwjr]

Actually, your photography is pretty good. It's In focus, and the exposure is about right. All you have to do is tone down the highlights, using more diffused lighting. Once you remove the oxidation and shine up the stem you'll have a real wonder of a pipe. In fact, you might say it's a Prince of a pipe!

 

[sk806]

Actually, your photography is pretty good. It's In focus, and the exposure is about right. All you have to do is tone down the highlights, using more diffused lighting. Once you remove the oxidation and shine up the stem you'll have a real wonder of a pipe. In fact, you might say it's a Prince of a pipe!

No that's a compliment I've never gotten before. Thanks!
As to stem polishing, I've been doing a lot of research, and I've see bar keeper's friend and Flitz mentioned a lot. I assume that it's too far gone for just obsidian oil. What are people's take on that? Thanks!

 

[mso489]

Had no idea it was a prince, though I saw it was a smooth finish. You couldn't get that one away from me. Smoke and enjoy. The stem will polish up like ebony.
I think that's one foggymountain would approve, and he is a discerning Dunhill man.