Dunhill question

[Bub]

This question may require a thesis, but I am just trying to get a general overview.
If I am looking at estate Dunhills, how do the various styles compare in terms of price and desirability?
Thanks,
Bub

 

[Bub]

OK..let me answer my own question.
http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/dept?dpt=W&srch=DW&tier2=117

 

[Anonymous]

Not sure this helps much, but I've owned 2 Dunhills.

One I love and is part of my rotation (it's a Canadian btw).

The other I thought smoked worse than a basket pipe. I was told it was the stem, so I had a replacement made. Still didn't like it.

I traded it for an Ashton, full disclosure. Basically, I traded a Dunhill I didn't like for an Ashton the other dude didn't like. AND, I didn't like the Ashton either, but I was able to trade it for one of my best smokers: a Ruthenberg billiard.

To answer your question:
I have no idea... :tongue:

 

[glpease]

If I am looking at estate Dunhills, how do the various styles compare in terms of price and desirability?

Some shapes or sizes are more rare or more desirable than others, and therefore command higher prices on the estate market. The "quaint" shapes, those with lettered shapes, rather than numbered, often fall into this category. For a while the CK (author shape) was wildly desirable, and a good one would fetch twice what a plain-ole-billiard might. The LB (large billiard) always has a strong following, as does the P (bent bulldog), and OX (saddle bulldog). The LC (a large bent billiard with a swan-like shank) is quite rare, and very desirable, often selling for extraordinary prices. But, the 120 (large bent billiard) has had a consistent following as well. The larger pipes, the ODAs with 800 series shape numbers also attract high prices for their desirability and relative rarity.

When you begin attaching things like patent numbers, specific "eras," finishes and so on, things can really escalate. Patent number Tanshells were only around for two years, so great examples of desirable shapes can cost significantly more than a more common Shell in the same shape.

Estate pipe prices, irrespective of brand, generally boil down to a) how few are there, and b) how many people want one. As a decreases and b increases, prices go up, sometimes dramatically.

A Kaywoodie in a very desirable, fairly rare shape and finish recently sold on ebay for over $220. Who'da thunk it?

-glp

 

[Ol'Dawg]

Bub,

Though I'm not a Dunhill fan, I did try a few to see for myself what the clamor is about Dunhill pipes. Here are a few links to information and estate Dunhills currently for sale.

Dunhill estates link

Dunhills at Fine Pipes
Fine Pipes links and notes

John Loring is considered an expert in Dunhill pipes. Here's what he collects and has to say--
John Loring's writings

Jim