Thread: Pipe Questions

Hi Scott,
I can help you with some of your questions.
When buying a used pipe in a non-pipe store, you need to makes some general observations:
The Bowl:
Are there any nicks on the outset part of bowl?
Look into the bowl - does it appear symmetrical? Sometimes people over ream the bowl, cutting into the wood when doing so. This is not good at all.
Repairs:
Generally speaking repairs are ok, if done correctly but does diminish the price of the pipe. Repairs usually are made on the shank, sometime the bottom of the bowl, along the rim. The color of the repair is usually different than the rest of the pipe. As I understand it, this type of repair uses a putty, colored to meet the type, sanded and glossed. You do need to look close.
Cleaning:
The outer part of the stem could be cleaned with Stem Cleaner. This is a sort of wax that has some grit to it. Rub it on the stem, rub and buff. The inner part of the stem and pipe- simple pipe cleaner.
The Bowl should be cleaned professionally.
As far as Meerschaum is concerned, I cannot offer any information.
I urge you to take a look at the following site: smokingpipes.com. Great information, and premium customer service. If you need work done you your pipe, these are the people to call. Take a look at the "Estate Pipes" section and read some of the descriptions. These are used pipes and prices according to issues pertaining to the pipe such as repairs, poor teeming, cracks and alike. You can learn so issues pertaining to used pipes based on the write up.

Hope this is helpful,

Andy