Buying a pipe means trust. That is why the Duke provides every pipe offered here with a description of its condition. He applies very strict criteria, because he wants customers to be happily surprised rather than disappointed.
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0 - unsmoked
This pipe is brand new and usually still has the original smoking paste. The only thing separating it from a new purchase is the missing sleeve or box. It is possible that the stem has faded a little due to sun exposure, in which case it will be polished.
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1 - Estate as new
This condition is very rarely achieved and only awarded when ALL of the following criteria are met:
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The rim does not show any traces of darkening.
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The wood has no scratches or dents (this does not apply to fillings, the Duke cannot do magic)
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The stain has not faded due to polishing
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The stem has no bite marks
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The stem passes the torch test (even under strong frontal illumination it is not faded).
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The stem is neither too tight nor too loose and has no gap to the shank.
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2 - Estate top condition
This condition is what you would expect from a professionally restored pipe. It is the most common condition found in Duke's Pipe Estate.
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The rim has no or only minimal traces of smoke, but these are at most visible in a slight darkening.
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The wood has no or minimal scratches, no dents.
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The stain has not or only minimally faded due to polishing.
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The stem has no or only minimal bite marks, no marks.
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The stem may not pass the torch test, but no discolouration is visible to the naked eye.
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The stem is neither too tight nor too loose and has no gap to the shank.
3 - Estate with signs of use
This pipe is marked by a long life (or the Duke was lost in reverie while preparing it and the head has been flung through the halls by the machine). It promises wonderful smoking pleasure and the existing blemishes are described in detail and add up to a lower price.
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The rim may be darkened.
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The wood may have visible scratches and / or dents.
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The stain may be faded in places.
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The stem may show bite marks or even dents.
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The stem may also be visibly faded to the naked eye.
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The stem is neither too tight nor too loose, but may have a gap to the shank.
4 - DUKE IT YOURSELF!
The Duke loves to polish up pipes. But he loves even more to indulge in idleness and dandyism. That's why he also offers unfinished pipes for you to restore yourself.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)