Checking out Antique stores...what to look for in a pipe

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 06:21 AM

I have a pretty large antique store near me that has some vendors with a nice selection of pipes. I can't really say exactly what is over there as I never REALLY looked. If I were to go buy one, what qualities should I be looking for? What should I look for to find one in good shape? I'm new to this, but a relaxing smoke on occasion sounds really appealing to me. Thanks for the help!

**Commander Quan** · 04-13-2012, 06:41 AM

If you want one that you can start using with only minimal cleaning look for one that that has minimal tooth marks on the stem, and a bowl that isn't too burned out. There will be charring inside the bowl, and even some moderate cake buildup and that's ok, but the cake shouldn't be more than the thickness of a nickle. Look down inside the bowl, and make sure the hole is drilled to the bottom of the bowl. If the hole is higher than the bottom it'll always have burn issues. If the stem is dull looking, it has started to oxidize, which isn't a problem, usually a soak and a cleaning with a Magic Eraser will clean it up, but if it's heavily oxidized I'd pass on it unless you want more of a project.

Honestly, If your antique shops are anything like the ones around me you'd probably be better off picking up a new Dr. Grabow for your first pipe for an occasional smoke. They are good smokers, and the estate pipes I find are often not that much cheaper unless you are looking for one to restore.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by Commander Quan

If you want one that you can start using with only minimal cleaning look for one that that has minimal tooth marks on the stem, and a bowl that isn't too burned out. There will be charring inside the bowl, and even some moderate cake buildup and that's ok, but the cake shouldn't be more than the thickness of a nickle. Look down inside the bowl, and make sure the hole is drilled to the bottom of the bowl. If the hole is higher than the bottom it'll always have burn issues. If the stem is dull looking, it has started to oxidize, which isn't a problem, usually a soak and a cleaning with a Magic Eraser will clean it up, but if it's heavily oxidized I'd pass on it unless you want more of a project.

Honestly, If your antique shops are anything like the ones around me you'd probably be better off picking up a new Dr. Grabow for your first pipe for an occasional smoke. They are good smokers, and the estate pipes I find are often not that much cheaper unless you are looking for one to restore.

Thanks for the advice. I honestly have no clue what kind of prices they have on them. I'll certainly take a look and I will definitely consider the Dr. Grabow route

**Price** · 04-13-2012, 07:02 AM

Anything you find in an antique store is likely to be a restore project, which is actually rewarding and kinda fun, IMO. As Derrick mentioned, stem oxidation is practically a given, but a little patience and a little elbow grease can make that stem look shiny new. I'd check around the bit, there'll probably be some "chatter", but as long as there's nothing too deep you ought to be able to file them down pretty easily. Try to pass a pipe cleaner straight through the stem to the bottom of the bowl, indicating a properly drilled airway - it'll smoke better and be more easily maintained. If you have the opportunity, pull the stem from the pipe (better yet, ask the vendor to do that -if it falls apart you don't want to be liable), and inspect the bowl and shank for any cracks.

If there are no cracks or soft spots in the bowl, the airway is good and drilled to the bottom, you have a sound pipe. The biggest question then becomes: do you like it? Pipes come in many different shapes & sizes, none of which are inherently "better" than any other. Kinda like shaving...it all comes down to personal preference.

BTW Justin, welcome to your newest AD.

**Commander Quan** · 04-13-2012, 07:10 AM

Instead of worrying about whether the drilling lines up, make things easy and stay away from ones that are deeply bent. A slight bend is not usually a problem but if it looks like something Sherlock Holmes would have smoked skip it for now, you'll have a better chance that the drilling will be ok.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 07:28 AM

Wow! This is a way deeper topic than I ever thought. Thanks for the advice, I need all I can get at this point. I have to admit that going the new route might be more appealing...but I'm going to have a look anyway

**Commander Quan** · 04-13-2012, 07:30 AM

Justin do you have a price you were thinking? That may give us an idea where to point you.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 07:36 AM

I wasn't looking for anything too expensive to start. Probably under $30 and around $20 would really be ideal if that's possible.

**Price** · 04-13-2012, 07:42 AM

Maybe go for a cob? Pretty low on the style points, but easy-smoking and trouble-free for about 6 bucks.

See if you like it, then go from there.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 07:44 AM

hmmmm....that would be a nice option just to see if I like it? What other supplies might I need? I have a nice shop right here by my office

Originally Posted by Price

Maybe go for a cob? Pretty low on the style points, but easy-smoking and trouble-free for about 6 bucks.

**Price** · 04-13-2012, 07:45 AM

Not much. A tamper and a tin of tobacco and you're set. Oh, and pipe cleaners.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-13-2012, 07:53 AM

The antique stores around Fort Worth seem to be overflowing with pipes. I've been eyeing them up as well; good luck on the search.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 07:55 AM

So you've already cleaned out Montgomery?

Originally Posted by PFP_Dad

The antique stores around Fort Worth seem to be overflowing with pipes. I've been eyeing them up as well; good luck on the search.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-13-2012, 08:00 AM

I think I've been to all but 3 in the metroplex now

. Maybe tonight I'll post a picture of my to-do pile so you can all tell my wife it's perfectly normal to have that many razors. Seriously though, if you go to 4 or 5 small ones you should end up with at least 30 pipes to choose between (and Montgomery counts as 4-5 alone).

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 10:04 AM

So I just went to the shop right down the road and here's what I came back with:

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I'll start here and see how I like it. Thanks for the help guys!

**Commander Quan** · 04-13-2012, 10:14 AM

That's a good start.

**nrdoty** · 04-13-2012, 11:22 AM

Excellent.

I reccomend most people start with a setup like what you bought.

FYI: I see you didn't buy filters or that pipe. It has one in it so that will last you a few smokes at least. But some, including me like the wide-open draw you have if you just leave it out. Also if you find that stem a bit hard on your teeth the black ones are a lot softer.

Good luck & happy piping. Let us know how your first smoke/s go.

**Commander Quan** · 04-13-2012, 11:32 AM

The filter will probably help for the first couple smokes, as new smokers have the tendency to over heat the pipe. That will be a good pipe to start with, I have a couple of them myself, the only issue with the bent orange stems is that the bend is more of a kink, and they have a tendency to accumulate crap at the elbow. Rinse it out with some warm water after every couple of smokes and it should be alright.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-13-2012, 12:50 PM

Perhaps I should read more carefully before responding. I haven't cleaned out all the stores no (maybe of razors), just been looking at pipes so far and have noticed them everywhere.

**maxzoran** · 04-13-2012, 01:02 PM

Mystery solved on the razors at least. Waaay overpriced at a few of them.

Originally Posted by PFP_Dad

Perhaps I should read more carefully before responding. I haven't cleaned out all the stores no (maybe of razors), just been looking at pipes so far and have noticed them everywhere.