Thinking about an (old) estate dunhill

[GreekGuy]

This is my first post in the brown leaf sub forum, although I've really enjoyed spending time here. So thanks gents!

Anyway, I have a decent french made basket pipe that has served me well, but I'm looking to upgrade to something better. As with razors, I prefer to buy once cry once, then buy twice cry twice, or however the expression goes. Also, as with razors, I think the means is just as important as the end result. Perhaps I'm a bit of a snob, but I'm a sucker for heritage, luxury, pride of ownership, etc etc

New Dunhills are pretty expensive, and I've read some of the thoughts here about them. Since I like heritage and vintage items, I'm thinking about going vintage or estate, preferably something very old, pre-WWII if possible. The prices I've seen vary extraordinarily, from "restored" pipes on the reputable websites for $500, to ones of ebay for $250 or less (not necessarily for 1930's, just in general). I guess what I'm asking is can anyone provide me any advice about what to look for, what to avoid, etc. I understand the basics, such as rim charring, scratches, etc, but beyond what immediately meets the eye is there anything else I should know? I appreciate any and all advice or suggestions.

Also, how much should I expect to pay for a Dunhill pipe in good condition made pre-WWII, and how difficult would it be to acquire such a specimen?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Argonaut]

This seller on ebay comes highly recommended for estate Dunhills great-estate-pipes

 

[GreekGuy]

This seller on ebay comes highly recommended for estate Dunhills great-estate-pipes

Jason,

Thank you for your reply, but it appears your link is not functioning correctly, no?

 

[zatopus]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/great-estat...h=item27cb5e464e&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

 

[Argonaut]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/great-estat...h=item27cb5e464e&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

There ya go. Thanks haiku.

 

[Argonaut]

For the record, here's mine...
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[jwhite]

When it comes to excellent representation of some of the grand old brands I tend to look to this fellow first.
http://www.finepipes.com/pipes/english/

 

[mongoose]

If you are hubris then buy what you can afford but keep in mind that it may not smoke better than your French basket pipe.

 

[GreekGuy]

Thank you all for the links and suggestions thus far

If you are hubris then buy what you can afford but keep in mind that it may not smoke better than your French basket pipe.

I am relatively new to all of this and I understand that may very well be a possibility, but besides aesthetics and brand name then why would one buy an expensive pipe? If its at all like razors, then more expensive isn't necessarily better, but certain brands tend to be expensive and tend to be very good

 

[Pilotgod]

The price has a lot to do with the way it is manufactured as well as the materials. A handmade pipe is likely to have more care in its construction, which usually lends itself to a better draught and a cooler smoke. Cheaper pipes tend to be machined out by the hundreds and are more of a hit or miss affair. I have a couple of basket pipes that are great smokers as well as a Peterson that is superb. In the end, like so many other things, it comes down to "does it speak to you". If you fall in love with a pipe, especially an estate, do some reading on them and try to find opinions. A lot of the Dunhills from the 30's through 60's get some pretty good reviews, so I doubt you will cry over your purchase.

 

[GreekGuy]

Scored this one today on ebay. What do you guys think? Did I pay too much? It has some cosmetic issues, but honestly, that doesn't bother me. I like the idea of a pipe with both pedigree and character

 

[joshua1970]

the rim wear won't affect the smoking, and it's probably one hell of a smoker too!! I have no idea what pipes are going for on ebay these days, been 10 years since I was actively buying or selling pipes.... ALOT less than they were years ago that's for sure! which is good for buyers!

i think you did well, especially for a pipe with such history and character

question is, are YOU happy with it?

 

[joshua1970]

For the record, here's mine...
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thats a beautiful Bruyere... what is the year by chance?

and huge fan of the prince shape, tho I only have 1 left... used to be a bulldog/rhodesian fanatic, then oom pauls, pokers etc etc

 

[oakeshott]

NNick if you watch the second Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr in it, then you'll see a stunning looking and elegant thin pipe he smokes toward the end of the movie when he is on the balcony alone with Moriarty.

buy that one.

 

[Argonaut]

thats a beautiful Bruyere... what is the year by chance?

and huge fan of the prince shape, tho I only have 1 left... used to be a bulldog/rhodesian fanatic, then oom pauls, pokers etc etc

1971, group 1 size. Smokes wonderfully.

 

[joshua1970]

1971, group 1 size. Smokes wonderfully.

right on Jason!!! she's a beauty!!

I'm a huge fan of Dunhills, I was going after WWII pipes made after the factory was bombed -they were still churning a few out, tho in much fewer numbers obviously... snagged 2 will try to post pics soon

 

[GreekGuy]

Thank you gentlemen for your thoughts. I'm still waiting for the pipe to arrive from England, but I'm looking forward to firing her up

 

[oc_in_fw]

Off topic, but why are so many posts in the Brown leaf now center justified? Makes reading harder.

 

[zatopus]

Off topic, but why are so many posts in the Brown leaf now center justified? Makes reading harder.

? what you talkin' bout?

 

[oc_in_fw]

? what you talkin' bout?

Replies are center aligned instead of starting at the left of the box