Why so cheap, 1980s Dunhill ?

[raevans]

Well, back in the 70's and into the early 80's Bill Taylor was the Quality Control Manager at Dunhill. Once he left around '83 there were a few of years that the grading of Dunhill pipes were very inconsistent. Pipes that had been deemed group 4's were now being pushed as group 5's, or in some cases group 3's. Group 5's were being pushed as ODA's. The smoking quality was still there, however many of the loyal customers became frustrated. It was also that time that Bill started Ashton pipes. The pipes were hand made using the same process that Bill had used as a top pipemaker for Dunhill. The pipes were also about half the price of Dunhill's at that time. I think that today, Dunhill's made in the 80's are probably the best bang for the buck if you find that you "must have" a Dunhill. The perception that the quality of the pipe made in the 80's is not that good is not accurate, but it has kept the prices down.

 

[foggymountain]

MSO: I paid $22. new for my first Dunhill in 1958 or 59. It was a smooth panel with a finish that looked like the amber roots, which did not yet exist. The popular belief that Dunhills got worse after the sixties just isn't true. The prices did go up even after adjusted for inflation.

 

[tbradsim1]

Out of my 9 Dunhills, from 1943 to 2000, my best smoker is an 86 ODA Cumberland Billard.

 

[troutface]

That's great to hear Bradley because I just ordered an '84 Shell Canadian from Mike at Briar Blues. A member in our club has been buying these '80's Dunhills and has been having great luck with them.

 

[pipebaum81]

Excellent feedback, Gents. In the meantime I find sellers asking for large amounts for 80's Dunhills. In particular, Ebay and estate sale reserves/prices are set high for many of these pipes and the final price doesn't even come close. If the market value (demand driven) is low for these pipes BUT the quality is at a Dunhill standard should a buyer pay the high price?
I have often read here that expensive pipes are worth it IF the pipe is worth it to you. I understand the sentiment very well. I have a hard time spending the money in a market that doesn't justify the price.

 

[raevans]

Good question....I have found that if the pipe "speaks to you", then it is worth the price. I have owned well over thirty Dunhill's over the years, unfortunately I bought most of them because they were Dunhill's. It was nice to have the name, but I never really enjoyed the pipes. They were conquests to say that I had a lot of them. I now only have one Dunhill. A 1981 Tanshell ODA made by Bill Taylor. It smokes great and after I met and got to know Bill, it became even more special. I don't think that I will ever get rid of it. I think that it works that way with any pipe. If it calls out to you, then get it. But don't just buy a pipe because of a name.....Just my two cents....