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box of 16 old pipes for $130- fair price or scam?

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Dr.Pierce

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Hello pipe smokers,

I put up an ad and got a response.
I called the guy (no local but in state) We haggled to the price of $130 for 16 pipes.
Says he bought a bunch of old Roitan boxes and one of them was full of pipes. Tried to get prices on ebay- then tired of the process.
He said one of them had a cracked stem. He wants me to send him the money paypal- then he'll send them.

1. I dont know him from adam- but he doesnt sound sketchy.
2. He contacted me because of my craigslist ad.
3. Price seems fair for a guy with a box of old stinky pipes- wants them out of the garage.

Should I bite the bullet and risk the $130?
 

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Levi Gross

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If he's in the state I would just offer to meet him half way at ??? location for an exchange. Don't get swindled by someone seemingly nice Dr. Pierce
 

deluxestogie

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Without a reasonable photo of each of the pipes, I would say the risk is not worth it. For $130, he can shoot nice groups of 4 in high resolution, with the manufacturer's mark showing. If I saw this box at a flea market, I would snatch it for $25, but it looks like a lot of cheap pipes (e.g. Dr. Grabow).

A grab bag of 10 Missouri Meerschaum corncob seconds (for $34) would seem a far better and less risky investment. https://corncobpipe.com/10-pipe-grab-bag-of-smokable-seconds.html

Bob
 

Dr.Pierce

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Thanks you guys. Wise advice- just what I was hoping for. He said he will re-shoot the photos tonight.

Deluxe- they look like Dr. Grabows? Still, $130 divided by 16 is still only 8.25 per pipe.

I have gently cleaned up 3 antique store no names, so far. I actually enjoyed the process.

Levi, Yes, It's Calif and he lives 11 hours from me. Even half way is 5.5 hours driving for a box of fleamarket pipes.
 

alPol05

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I am very familiar with PayPal and all processes related to this type of transactions. I believe the price is attractive and I suggest to look into this a bit closer. Here are some steps that will protect you:

  1. Request at least 2 photos of each pipe. One from the side and one from the top.
  2. Examine the photos carefully and make decisions.
  3. If you decide to proceed, request an invoice, sent through PayPal, with the specific note stating that if you are not satisfied, the seller will accept the return of these pipes and will issue a full refund. Cost of shipping to the seller will be on you. This is a customary and accepted step.
  4. If the invoice is issued through PayPal, the whole transaction will be protected by PayPal. They will take steps to assure that you will receive your money back. The seller will issue a refund after he receives the pipes back from you.

After you get the picture, post them here. I am sure there are several members that will give you their view.

These steps will give you protection and peace of mind.

Wiktor
 

ChinaVoodoo

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I agree with Bob. I've done a lot of antique store pipe shopping in the past, and old pipes that were never very good to begin with aren't worth your money and effort. He's not showcasing individual pipes because he knows they are nothing special. Would you buy an open box of hockey cards in the hopes of a Gretzky rookie card?

For a sure bet, I'd invest in a lifetime friend: go to the local pipe shop and get one nice pipe for $120, and buy $10 of pipe cleaners.
 

deluxestogie

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If we assume that the original owner of the pipes was the person who smoked the Roi-tan cigars, then it speaks to his willingness to spend real money on decent pipes. Forty years ago, the cheap briar pipes went for $5 to $10 new at every drug store, while nice briar pipes, even back then, cost upwards of $50 to $75 each, and were only available from a tobacconist.

If you like today's Yellow Bowl and Dr. Grabow pipes, then I suppose these may be a steal. Some forum members are fond of them, and enjoy restoring them. So it's truly a matter of preferences.

Bob
 

Dr.Pierce

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Here's the list of pipes.
He sent the pics to my phone and Im trying to figure out how to capture the pics so I can post them from my computer.

Weber Blackthorne 485 and 320
Brewster Imported Briar
Captain Pete
Yellow bole Standard
Austin Imported Briar
Kiko 79A
Tinder Box Natural (2)
Yorkshire Standard
Algerian Briar
Meerchaum Lineo

Dr Graybow Auston
Riviera
Unknown Maker
Webco Deluxe (2)
 

Dr.Pierce

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The pictures:
 

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alPol05

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Now you know (more or less) what you will get. There are some nice looking pipes.
Decision time!

Wiktor
 

Dr.Pierce

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I think I'm going to go for it. He is getting a shipping quote to me. I asked for a paypal invoice. How will that work between two private parties? Will he email an invoice and that will have a link?
 

alPol05

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I think I'm going to go for it. He is getting a shipping quote to me. I asked for a paypal invoice. How will that work between two private parties? Will he email an invoice and that will have a link?

Yes. Private individuals have the same protection as any organization. The email will have a link that will take you to payment options.

Wiktor
 

Dr.Pierce

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They're here. Now the work begins...
 

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mariam

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Always request for the pictures of the item and make sure you have detailed address of the seller, make videos calls with the seller, i will advice everyone to be very careful buying anything online. so many dishonest sellers are all over the internet..i was once a victim , i ordered for packs of pipes and cigarette , i paid in full and waited for my goods to be delivered for re sale...and it never came..the worst part of it was that , they gave me a tracking number which i did and it told me it was in transit , i called the numbers they gave me it was not going again , i also sent them several emails , nut no response , i became sick because i was losing over $30k..My curiosity led me to a recovery agent who got all my money back for me ,they only demanded for 10% after recovery which i paid. ******
Mariam
 
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