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So just randomly stumbling through kijiji I land on a local add for someone selling a pipe rack and a couple pipes with it and it got me thinking I wouldn't know what to for when looking over a used pipe. Not sure I'll message this guy because at the current time funds are a bit tight but in the future hitting yard sales and such what do you look for when you stumble upon a used pipe for sale?
First let me say Im no pro piper. But I have bought me many estates over the years.
Since I do not rebuild pipes myself, just cleaning and mild buffing I look for the following.
1) no major tooth marks on stem, some minor ones are easily fixed, but I do not venture into big bite marks.
2) look all over for cracks in and around stem on pipe and bowl. If the pipe is dirty or heavily caked up its sometimes hard to see. And they won't show themselves until after you clean it.
3) Does the stem fit snug or is it loose?
4) Is it priced low enough for the brand that if after cleaning I find it has issues that Im not gonna be out too much coin?
5) do they have multiple pipes so I can offer a lower price for the lot?
This is what works for me, as an amateur.
Biggest thing I check first is the inside of the bowl to see if there are any cracks and how the draft hole is drilled. I also like to smell the bowl and see what ghosts may have taken up residence in there. Then I check the stem for chatter and how well it fits.
Brand and overall condition come into factor at some point as well. I mean I'll pay a lot more for a beat up Dunny or Sasieni than I would a Yello-Bole or Dr. Grabow. Use good judgement.
I buy most of my pipes online, so I don't get the chance to inspect them in person. In addition to many of the things already mentioned, I look for bowls that are out of round or have obvious knife marks from hacking at the bowl. That indicates to me that the previous owner did not know or care enough to care for his pipe properly, and that's not a pipe I want anything to do with.
Thanks for the tips. I decided to message about it. It's one of those racks that has a glass container on one side and looks like it holds 6 pipes. In the pic its full of 5 briars and a cob but ad says a couple briars included for $50 obo so might be worth taking a look
Unless you notice a nice name brand in there, my advice is to low ball or pass.