Opinion wanted on estate dunhill

[GreekGuy]

Gents,

I came across of old dunhill shell, what appears to be a group 1 or 2. Anyway, it has a repair on the shank, a metal band, presumably to stabilize a crack. Also, the stem is not original. The gentlemen selling it wants $100 for it. What do you guys think? Is it worth that much? On the one hand, I could use that $100 towards another pipe. But I wouldn't want to wander around too much with, or toss a $300 pipe in my bag. I would just worry too much about something happening to it.


He is also selling a Red Briar, which is either a group 5 or an ODA, not sure. Its in great shape and he wants $200 for it. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on that one, but I would really like some more expert advice before I do. Unfortunately I do not have any photos yet, but these are both more in the user grade of pipes as opposed to a display piece, if that makes sense. Some light rim charring, but nothing too severe.


I really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance

 

[Commander Quan]

Hi Nick. Without pictures it's tough to say for certain, but I would pass on the first pipe. Depending on the condition of the second that one seams like the better way to go. $200 isn't a bargain, but it's not unreasonably high either.

Do you have other pipes?

 

[oakeshott]

Nick,
I'm not expert in pipes, but I've owned a fair amount of old things and a few old valuable things. I think 100 bucks for a pipe with a crack and an aftermarket stem is just too much even if it does say Dunhill. There are an endless amount of pipes from which to choose, even at the high end, and if you're patient then you can be certain that something better for the same price will come along.

It's nearly always better to pay more for what you want than it is to pay less for something that's not quite what you hoped for. At least, I've never regretted it.
oake

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

By Red Briar do you mean Red Bark or Ruby Bark? Sandblast with a red to pink stain (the colour helps date, coincidentally)? Or perhaps Amber Root (smooth with a red/orange stain)? Or even Bruyere (smooth with a red/brown stain)? I've never come across a Dunny stamped Red Briar - which doesn't mean the stamp doesn't exist - but if you have the nomenclature right, you might have something special!

 

[Uncle Jackie]

Hey Nick,

My opinion for what it's worth...

If you don't already have a Dunhill, it can be pretty exciting to want to get your hands on one, especially at a good price. There are many who believe that they are the 'Holy Grail' of pipes. I'm pretty sure however, that once you get one and smoke it a dozen times or so, and the novelty wears off, you'll find it is just another pipe. They really are no better or worse than anything else on the market. I'm not knocking anyone who collects or prefers them, but unless you have a 'fetish' for high end English pipes, my opinion is that perhaps there are better options for that $100 you want to spend.

Just my opinion.

 

[GreekGuy]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for all the advice. I think I'm going to pass on the one for $100. As you all said, I probably just wouldn't be thrilled with it. The Red Bark, however, I'm still thinking about

By Red Briar do you mean Red Bark or Ruby Bark?

I meant Red Bark, silly mistake

 

[Argonaut]

A really nice vintage Dunhill can be had for $125 to $175 on ebay, I'd pass on both if they are "user grade". Study up on Dunhill markings and finishes, find out what you're after, then prowl the 'bay for a winner.