For Those Of You Who Collect, Or Have Collected

[MisterE]

I've found your pipe. And for a bargain price too! :twisted:

https://www.novelli.it/en/pipes/Dunhill%20White%20Spot--DR--drg01_9581-pipe.aspx

On second inspection, it's actually a little too short. Good thing, I didn't want you to take out that second mortgage.

:shock:

Yeah, that's at least €75 more than I paid for mine! Highway robbery!





:lol!:

 

[Puffer Mark]

Well for what it's worth from a relative noob:

When I picked up the pipe again semi-seriously, I guess about 2 years ago now, I just felt I needed to build up a stable for rotation purposes. But then I started browsing a local auction site and almost miraculously (pickings being slim I these parts) picked up a scarcely smoked Pre-republic Pete for a very reasonable price. Incidentally, it was this pipe that prompted me to join this forum and engage with all you fine people.

That was my first estate and after that I was bitten. I think my collection is modest (my wife will naturally disagree) at somewhere in the 20's but I suppose having more than you require to smoke qualifies one as a collector.

For me at this stage, it is mainly about the fun of the search, finding pipes at good prices and having examples of classic makes or something unusual. It's a lovely distraction to browse local auction sites, or walk around flea markets, never knowing what one will discover. Sort of like a treasure hunt. Pipes are very much out of vogue here and general knowledge limited, so often pipes are ridiculously over or underpriced.

It is also nice to take them to my small pipe club meets and share what I've found. I think the element of sharing with folk of common interest is important for me.

I have never collected anything before, but have always enjoyed history, and love smoking a pipe and musing at the journey it might have taken to end up in my hands. That said I do tend to throw myself into things a bit obsessively, and then sometimes inexplicably lose interest. So, if I drop off the earth without so much as a "cheerio", you'll know what happened.

 

[riff raff]

At the recent NYC pipe show, a friend showed me a photo from a past Chicago show of a guy who had on display an entire table full of Sasieni Moorgate pipes. I had just sold a Moorgate and that prodded his memory. A few days later, I acquired my 8th GBD 9438 and I messaged this same friend. I told him I didn't want to be come the "Moorgate Guy". My friends reply was that this hobby does encourage a latent obsession.... I suspect a collector of just about anything has some OCD tendencies.

 

[juanmedusa]

I guess I should exercise full disclosure. I don't have many high grade pipes. A few but not many and I hunted some great deals on those. Two Artisans from Scottie, one from the late Horace. The majority of my pipes are split between inexpensive pipes I liked or got for nothing and mid grade pipes like standard Savinelli, Peterson types. Of course a few cobs. It would be a modest collection if I didn't have ~50 pipes. Which is way more than I need for my smoking rate. I could do fine with a dozen briars and a few cobs.

 

[RDPipes]

I guess I should exercise full disclosure. I don't have many high grade pipes. A few but not many and I hunted some great deals on those. Two Artisans from Scottie, one from the late Horace. The majority of my pipes are split between inexpensive pipes I liked or got for nothing and mid grade pipes like standard Savinelli, Peterson types. Of course a few cobs. It would be a modest collection if I didn't have ~50 pipes. Which is way more than I need for my smoking rate. I could do fine with a dozen briars and a few cobs.

My Friend doesn't have any really high grade pipes either, not what he considers high grades such as Tom Eltang's, S. Bang's, J.T. Cooke's, etc. just to name a few. I would say most of his collection is mid grade and I reckon that's what bothers him......he just can't afford the high grades that really pleases his eye. He does enjoy his higher mid grades but, some have lost there luster in his eye from time to time. I reckon what it boils down to is he needs to appreciate what he has. And realize many would be more then pleased to have what he does. He's never wanted to keep up with the Jones per say, never needed a new vehicle or fancy clothes, new age gadgets or the like. He's always been happy living in the dark ages as some would say.
But, somehow his collections have always had to be the best in his minds eye. I think he's not only OCD but, covets what he can't have. This is something he's going to have to work out for himself, come to terms with his self so to speak. He's a person that want's to be perfect but, seems to have more flaws the he can fix. I'll step out on a limb here and say, I reckon he's normal........Nah! Abnormal maybe. I don't think he'd want to clumped in with most, then he'd have to buy a new truck and then not have enough money to buy pipes. :fpalm:
Anyway, I'll let him know you all think he's nuts.

 

[Ocelot55]

Cart, has your friend been to any pipe shows? I remember my first pipe show was a real eye opener. I got to handle S. Bangs, Eltangs, Chonowitsch, etc. I'd say that all of the "high grades" lost their luster after I got to examine them up close. More than half had issues like sloppy slots, not symmetrical shaping issues, and other things that most photos fail to show. Of course there were also some beautiful pipes, but even some of those had engineering issues I wouldn't begin to let out of my shop. I've seen an Eltang with a draft hole that wasn't drilled straight and another that, while it was absolutely stunning, has the most gosh awful whistle when drawn through. Bond to be a crappy smoker.

All said, treasure what you have. I've got a few no-names with grain that put Dunhill DRs to shame and smoke wonderful. This "grass is greener" mentality is part of the natural human condition. We need to learn to value what we have and realize that the other side of the fence typically isn't any better.

 

[monbla256]

My feelings about "collectors" has always been a person who steps across the line of 'normal" aquisition of objects, say a dozen or less, into the world of OCD. I know I've done it with my collection of fountain pen with now after 30+ years of aquisition of them I have over 300 and many are mere variations on certain models over several years. My pipe collection is similar, just not as many, ie why would one need over 36 Pots ? Collecting ANYTHING has NO semblence to "normal" behavior and what your "friend" my be feeling I would certainly consider a "normal" reaction to this behavior. I've gone through periods of questioning my own behavior in my "collecting". All i can say is Onward thru the Fog  :twisted: :twisted:

 

[RDPipes]

Both of you make very good points that'll I'll pass onto my Friend.

Never thought that someone like Eltang or Bang would produce a pipe that would have issues as you have describe Jesse, that's is really down heartening. Makes me think twice about wanting one for sure.

Neither he or I have been to a pipe show of any kind, mainly because it's neither physically or financially possible to get to one being the great distance we'd have to go.
Maybe someday if they bring one to Tyler.

 

[joshoowah]

Some of you know me better than others might on this forum, but I used to have 60+ pipes, with 30+ Caminettos. In fact, Caminetto was the brand I preferred to buy. As time went on, the prices of Caminetto went up and up and up to prices I thought was ridiculous because, though I love Caminettos, they are not worth that much to me. I downsized from 60+ to 7 in a matter of months, focusing more on handmade pipes. Most Caminettos I see these days I think are disgusting, mainly because my tastes have changed, which is for the better because I'd rather spend $200 on a pipe handmade by a friend.

These days I rarely buy pipes, and when I do it's an artisan. I doubt I'll ever buy a factory or non-artisan pipe myself again. Tastes change, but this is good for me because it keeps me honest and less hoard-like.

 

[daveinlax]

At the recent NYC pipe show, a friend showed me a photo from a past Chicago show of a guy who had on display an entire table full of Sasieni Moorgate pipes.  

I really miss the days when shows had a little better balance between being showcase for collectors and a pipe marketplace. You don't see many collections displayed anymore but I'm going to buck the trend and display part of my collection at the GKCPC show in June just to show it off.

My Friend doesn't have any really high grade pipes either, not what he considers high grades such as Tom Eltang's, S. Bang's, J.T. Cooke's, etc. just to name a few. I would say most of his collection is mid grade and I reckon that's what bothers him......he just can't afford the high grades that really pleases his eye.

A group of any pipes no matter the grade does not always make a satisfying collection. From my personal experience of doing both accumulating and collecting, putting together a semi focused collection that you can realistically afford is a lot more fun than just accumulating pipes. :shock:

 

[Jevverrett]

Personally, most of my pipes were acquired in commemoration of some great life event. The birth of my sons, a special vacation or sometimes a record breaking paycheck haha. Like some others here, my collected items hold some manner of personal relevance.

 

[RDPipes]

Personally, most of my pipes were acquired in commemoration of some great life event. The birth of my sons, a special vacation or sometimes a record breaking paycheck haha. Like some others here, my collected items hold some manner of personal relevance.

All mine I mean his hold special relevance. I'm he's too old to have more children or want them and I'm he's permanently retired so the paycheck things out and as far as vacations go.....hell I'mhe's living a continuous vacation nowadays (vacation from hell). So when I he buy's a pipe Ihe celebrates being able to still buy one.

Oh, and here's a little secret......I started making pipes awhile ago and when I get good enough to want to show them I'm going to make all you guys buy them so I'll have even more money to spend on pipes.

 

[Brewdude]

Oh, and here's a little secret......I started making pipes awhile ago and when I get good enough to want to show them I'm going to make all you guys buy them so I'll have even more money to spend on pipes.

I for one will be watching Ron!






Cheers,

RR

 

[RDPipes]

Oh, and here's a little secret......I started making pipes awhile ago and when I get good enough to want to show them I'm going to make all you guys buy them so I'll have even more money to spend on pipes.

I for one will be watching Ron!






Cheers,

RR

Just kidding, even if I were to make pipes they'd never be connected to me.

 

[alandadp]

I for one would certainly buy one of your pipes Ron.
Just the thought of holding something you had spent hours lovingly making and then stuffing it ful of 'Soap' makes me smile

 

[RDPipes]

I for one would certainly buy one of your pipes Ron.
Just the thought of holding something you had spent hours lovingly making and then stuffing it ful of 'Soap' makes me smile

Smart ass!

 

[user 3779]

This topic has been a great read so far, thanks for posting. I have always been curious on why I or others do various different things. The collecting of stuff, to me anyway, usually has some type of significance to it. Since we are on the topic of pipes I will stick with that. I got my first pipe probably 20 years ago, bought with a friend who also acquired one at the same time. I still have mine, he can not find his as a result of never getting rid of anything, even things which should go. It is one I will keep forever. I have a couple in my stable I made, the first and second pipes I ever made, and will keep those as well. I have one my wife got me, the only one she has bought me to date, and the only meer I own, another keeper for me. The others I have justified in one way or another, building a rotation etc. 3 of which are estate finds, all from roughly the 60's, I like to believe they have history I can appreciate, but don't actually know much about them other than what is available through brand research etc. I do have a few I bought new, mostly cobs, and 1 I just got this morning, a Stanwell vario 98. The ones I look at and am less enthusiastic about are not that way because of a lack of appreciation for the pipe's looks or inherent value. Mostly a judgment on smoking experience, where they have not met my expectations or desire in one way or another. If I get a pipe I saw online and am immediately unimpressed with it on arrival, I will send it back or resell it depending on circumstances and buy something I will hopefully like better. If it goes in my collection it is usually something that has meaning/connection based on how I came by it, or is genuinely unique in some way, or in the case of estate pipes adds something in the sense of history. The price is a deciding factor only if it puts it out of my reach, after I own it, actual value has little to with how much I enjoy it. I hope your friend finds whatever he feels is missing in his collection, maybe direction if many of the pipes are impulse buys rather than those which are sought after for one reason or another. All the best Gonzo

 

[RDPipes]

This topic has been a great read so far, thanks for posting. I have always been curious on why I or others do various different things. The collecting of stuff, to me anyway, usually has some type of significance to it. Since we are on the topic of pipes I will stick with that. I got my first pipe probably 20 years ago, bought with a friend who also acquired one at the same time. I still have mine, he can not find his as a result of never getting rid of anything, even things which should go. It is one I will keep forever. I have a couple in my stable I made, the first and second pipes I ever made, and will keep those as well. I have one my wife got me, the only one she has bought me to date, and the only meer I own, another keeper for me. The others I have justified in one way or another, building a rotation etc. 3 of which are estate finds, all from roughly the 60's, I like to believe they have history I can appreciate, but don't actually know much about them other than what is available through brand research etc. I do have a few I bought new, mostly cobs, and 1 I just got this morning, a Stanwell vario 98. The ones I look at and am less enthusiastic about are not that way because of a lack of appreciation for the pipe's looks or inherent value. Mostly a judgment on smoking experience, where they have not met my expectations or desire in one way or another. If I get a pipe I saw online and am immediately unimpressed with it on arrival, I will send it back or resell it depending on circumstances and buy something I will hopefully like better. If it goes in my collection it is usually something that has meaning/connection based on how I came by it, or is genuinely unique in some way, or in the case of estate pipes adds something in the sense of history. The price is a deciding factor only  if it puts it out of my reach, after I own it, actual value has little to with how much I enjoy it. I hope your friend finds whatever he feels is missing in his collection, maybe direction if many of the pipes are impulse buys rather than those which are sought after for one reason or another. All the best Gonzo

I'd say none of his are impulse buys but, what attacks his eye. Now that could be anything to many but, to him it's first quality, beauty of the piece and then collect-ability and of course what he can afford.
It's no secret everyone collects differently, some by brand, some by shape etc. He has never been able to nail one down cause he enjoys so many different types, shapes and makers. He collects figural's, man and beast, Italian makers of different shapes and forms, strange and unusual patented designed pipes, Cavaliers, Calabashes, Freehand's, some antique and Meerschaums. He likes them all, it's just from time to time there glitter fails to shine in his mind but, comes back a day or more later. Let's face it, the guy's certainly OCD and probably has other hidden problems.
You on the other hand sound normal enough and have your collecting under control but, be advised.......
don't drink the water, it may be contagious.

 

[user 3779]

You on the other hand sound normal enough and have your collecting under control but, be advised.......
don't drink the water, it may be contagious.

If by normal you mean I use masking tape to block the camera on the laptop instead of electrical tape, than we are in complete agreement.

 

[RDPipes]

You on the other hand sound normal enough and have your collecting under control but, be advised.......
don't drink the water, it may be contagious.

If by normal you mean I use masking tape to block the camera on the laptop instead of electrical tape, than we are in complete agreement.

Ya know they can see through masking tape. :suspect: