Who’s Buying Second-Hand Pipes in Need of ‘Rescue？

Today we want to talk about used pipes. I believe most people will be curious when it comes to used pipes. But believe me, as a pipe enthusiast, I know very well that it is almost the most common occurrence among pipe enthusiasts and there are so many brands of used pipes sought after by customers!!

 

You may be wondering: Who buys used pipes? The answer may surprise you! Once you start exploring the world of used pipes, you will probably be fascinated by their unique charm. Personally, I often look for quality used pipes to expand my collection. In this blog, we will address two interesting questions: Who buys used pipes? And what makes these pipes collectible? Of course, opinions on collecting used pipes vary widely and there is no absolute “right” or “wrong” approach. Here I will share my personal perspective.

First, experienced pipe enthusiasts are frequent buyers of used pipes. These customers often look for specific models or series that may no longer be manufactured. The used market offers them the opportunity to acquire these rare pipes.

 

Collectors form another significant group of buyers. I once met Elizabeth, a pipe collector from New York, and our conversation offered fascinating insights. For collectors like her, used pipes are not just tools for smoking – they embody the traditional craftsmanship of pipe making and reflect the evolution of pipe culture over time. In particular, some pipes from certain eras or limited editions can only be found on the used market, making used pipes highly sought-after collectors’ items.

 

Interestingly, some pipe enthusiasts buy used pipes to “rescue” and repair them. This gives these DIYers great satisfaction from repairing old pipes, which becomes the most interesting part of their lives.

At this point, you might be thinking, “Why do they still need to buy used pipes? Are these old pipes valuable?” The answer might surprise you!

 

I spent too much time researching these used brand pipe series. Let’s take Dunhill as an example. The pipes of this brand can often be sold at very high prices on the used market. There is one used pipe that impressed me. That is the Dunhill Shell Briar Group 5 Apple Pipe that my friend bought for thousands of dollars. It’s crazy!

 

So when I saw how popular Dunhill pipes were, I bought several used Dunhill pipes while I was in Italy and sold them through my online store for a good profit. This also made me realize the influence of the Dunhill brand. I can now honestly say that these high-quality used pipes have great investment potential because I have personally realized this.

Of course, we must not forget other old pipes of famous brands such as Castello and Charatan. They are also very popular on the market. For example, some Dunhill pipes from the early 20th century can cost thousands of dollars. When you own these pipes, you will understand that these pipes are worth so much money not only because of Dunhill’s brand value, but also because these pipes represent the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of a particular era.

 

In addition, some pipes are particularly representative of an important historical era or a turning point in production technology. For example, some Mesham pipes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are very popular in the collecting world due to their unique materials and exquisite carving.

The impact of rarity on value is obvious. Limited editions, special versions or discontinued series are often more collectible. For example, some of Dunhill’s limited edition Christmas pipes or Barling’s early Guinea Grain series often sell for high prices on the second-hand market due to their rarity.

 

Besides the Dunhill limited edition Christmas pipes mentioned above, what other brands or models of second-hand pipes are popular?

 

This Irish brand is known for its unique “P-Lip” mouthpiece and its robust and durable design. Peterson’s classic series such as the Sherlock Holmes and System series have always been in high demand on the second-hand market. In particular, discontinued models such as the old Kapet series are often the subject of competition among collectors.

Savinelli is another brand that is very popular on the used market. The Italian brand is known for its diverse design and excellent value for money. In particular, Savinelli’s Autograph series and the high-end hand-crafted models are in high demand on the used market as they represent the brand’s highest level of craftsmanship. As I am a huge lover of hand-crafted pipes, I even bought a used Savinelli Autograph Grade 6 pipe this year. (It is well bored and the mouthpiece has a nice saddle style. The pipe has some imperfections in the briar wood that were covered by hammering with a rough hammer to create a mottled rust look. Nevertheless, I think it is a great pipe.)

 

Speaking of Danish design, this pipe brand is known for its simple and elegant Nordic-style design. Some of Stanwell’s classic models, such as the Featherweight series, have always enjoyed steady demand on the used market. Especially the early models of famous designers like Sixten Ivarsson are very popular with collectors.

 

For collectors looking for uniqueness, high-quality Italian handmade brands like Castello and Ser Jacopo also hold a special place in the second-hand market. These pipes are often known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique design, especially rare shapes or limited editions, which often fetch high prices on the secondary market.