SP seems to do the most trustworthy job online of describing the pipe, its condition including notable flaws, and showing you a photograph of the pipe itself. Other smaller outfits do a good job, although they don't always give all the specs as SP does. Certainly new pipe smokers thinking of trying an estate pipe would do well to start with SP. Other retailers, even the majors, seem to have pages of all "sold" estate pipes or otherwise stint on estate inventory. Estate pipes can be a way into up-market pipes, but in many instances, it involves some risk. After waiting for a week or weeks for delivery, you sure don't want to unpack a dirty, broken, unpleasant looking pipe. How do you spell disappointment?
