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How to Collect Estate Smoking Pipes

Pipe smoking has a long history and evokes an image of relaxed reading or quiet contemplation. Sherlock Holmes smoked pipes while he thought about cases, calling a particularly difficult one a “three-pipe problem.” Modern, artfully created pipes can cost in excess of $500 while low-end, factory stamped versions can be as low as $20. To collect old—often called “estate”—pipes, it takes a little bit of knowledge a long with some trial and error choices.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the type of pipe you like to smoke. Is it a straight pipe, a bent or “sitter” pipe? Is it a freehand, unusually shaped type? What kind of stem feels best in your mouth? Do you like carved meerschaum pipes with faces or other figures as the bowls? The choice will determine your collection and expense.
- 2
  Find estate pipes that have few teeth or chew marks on the stem. The more teeth marks, the rougher the pipe has been smoked.
- 3
  Determine if the seller has sanitized the pipe. You can do this yourself, but a reputable dealer will make sure the pipe is in as-fresh condition as possible by cleaning the bowl, using sanitizers on the stem and thoroughly cleaning out the excess tar and charring.
- 4
  Pick a brand of pipe that suits your collection vision. Dr. Grabow pipes are low-end but nice looking. Yello-Bole is a bit higher, with pipes like Savinelli and Comroy above that.
- 5
  Start scouring local tobacconist’s bins and looking on eBay. There usually are many for sale at any given time.

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