Collectables -> Tobacciana -> Pipes

If you think all pipes look basically the same, then you should take some time to browse through the variety of collectible pipes available in places like eBay or collectible pipe shops online. With today’s campaigns against smoking of all types, and the media urging people not to indulge in cigarettes, cigars or even pipes, it’s rare to see pipe smokers on the street. But not that many years ago, pipe smoking was much more popular, and pipe sellers and tobacconists typically ran booming businesses. Today’s pipes are unfortunately cheaply made and not interesting from a collectible point of view at all.

Collectible pipes are almost always vintage pipes made from interesting materials or intricately carved. Many of these pipes were meant to be used to smoke, and many of the vintage pipes you’ll be able to find today have been well-used. Others were meant more as art pieces. The pipes are large and elaborate, and they could be used because they’re constructed properly, but the stem and bowl are intricately designed, depicting scenes, animals, people and even fantasy figures like mermaids or figures from literature.

The creativity pipe-makers used to use was astounding. Many hand-carved pipes are valuable today, depending on their age, their materials and the name of the manufacturer. A pipe with an amber stem, for instance, was an expensive pipe in its day and is worth more now than a pipe made from Lucite or Bakelite, types of plastics. Some pipes were carved from ivory and are rare, some contain silver designs and exotic woods. Some pipes used to be made of Meerschaum, a white-colored mineral. These pipes were typically elaborately carved and are today, quite valuable. Reproduction Meerschaum pipes are usually made of materials like plaster today, and while beautiful are relatively worthless as collectibles.

When you’re looking for collectible pipes, it’s a good idea to carefully examine each pipe in an auction. Many sellers who don’t really know the value of the pipes they’re selling will sell several in a lot. Some of these pipes could be worth hundreds of dollars each, like ivory or Meerschaum pipes, while others are only worth a few dollars, if anything at all.

When looking at collectible pipes that are elaborately carved, remember that the carving itself doesn’t determine the worth of the pipe. While some Meerschaum pipes with intricately carved bowls can cost hundreds of dollars, some hand-carved Meerschaums can be purchased for a small amount of money, especially if the seller isn’t aware of the materials used in the pipe, which does happen.

You could collect pipes that all features carvings of animals or busts, for instance, or you could choose pipes from a certain country. The best way to begin looking for collectible pipes is to decide what kind you prefer—the classic pipe in varying shapes and materials, or pipes that are carved and artistic. This will help you narrow down your choices and better be able to choose between the various auctions.

Originally posted 2008-11-17 05:00:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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