Pipedia

1-2-3 Sold! Recent Pipe-Auction Action: Difference between revisions

Page Discussion

1-2-3 Sold! Recent Pipe-Auction Action (view source)

Revision as of 20:40, 17 March 2024

2,524 bytes added ,  2 months ago
Added Nat King Cole pipe
No edit summary
(Added Nat King Cole pipe)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''SYSOP's Note:''' Still working on this but needed to save it....
<center>'''Ben Rapaport''', June 2023 <br>''Exclusive to pipedia.org''</center>
<center>'''Ben Rapaport''', June 2023 <br>''Exclusive to pipedia.org''</center>


Line 15: Line 13:
I wrote “Where’s The Real Pipe Action? I Say It’s At The Auction Block!” for ''Pipes and Tobaccos''’ Web Extras (now defunct) that can now be read at pipedia.org. Although I gave up collecting pipes a handful of years ago, I still follow the auction scene, so this, another tobacco tell-all, is what’s been happening these past few years.  
I wrote “Where’s The Real Pipe Action? I Say It’s At The Auction Block!” for ''Pipes and Tobaccos''’ Web Extras (now defunct) that can now be read at pipedia.org. Although I gave up collecting pipes a handful of years ago, I still follow the auction scene, so this, another tobacco tell-all, is what’s been happening these past few years.  


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-1-.jpg|thumb|500px|Questionable Cheroot Holder]]First, a bit of cautionary bidding advice from Jason Harris (“Piping Hot: History of Tobacco Pipes”): “Remember to look at the condition of the piece, take note of its origins, material, age, and authenticity if one wishes to avoid burning money on an item that is not what it presents itself to be.” One recent auction experience with condition should suffice to support his assertion. In March 2023, this antique meerschaum cheroot holder was in an online Templum Fine Arts auction in Barcelona, Spain: “LOS 403: Rara y Excepcional Pipa en Espuma de Mar y boquilla en Ámbar Representando a la Diosa Cibeles, siglo XIX” (Rare and Exceptional Sea Foam Pipe and Amber Mouthpiece Representing the Goddess Cibeles, 19th century). Cybele was a Greek goddess often depicted riding a chariot drawn by two lions. Interestingly, the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid has a monument—the Cibeles fountain—dedicated to her, so this pipe has an interesting provenance. The House estimate was 4,500–5,000 Euros (c. $4,845–$5,400), but no condition report was included.
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-1-.jpg|thumb|500px|Questionable Cheroot Holder]]First, a bit of cautionary bidding advice from Jason Harris (“Piping Hot: History of Tobacco Pipes”): “Remember to look at the condition of the piece, take note of its origins, material, age, and authenticity if one wishes to avoid burning money on an item that is not what it presents itself to be.” One recent auction experience with an issue of condition should suffice to support his assertion. In March 2023, this antique meerschaum cheroot holder was in an online Templum Fine Arts auction in Barcelona, Spain: “LOS 403: Rara y Excepcional Pipa en Espuma de Mar y boquilla en Ámbar Representando a la Diosa Cibeles, siglo XIX” (Rare and Exceptional Sea Foam Pipe and Amber Mouthpiece Representing the Goddess Cibeles, 19th century). Cybele was a Greek goddess often depicted riding a chariot drawn by two lions. Interestingly, the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid has a monument—the Cibeles fountain—dedicated to her, so this pipe has an interesting provenance. The House estimate was 4,500–5,000 Euros (c. $4,845–$5,400), but no condition report was included.
 
Its motif and size appealed to several of my pipe-collector friends. While the bidding was heating up, I asked the House for a condition report and also advised that it needed to change the description from pipe to cheroot holder. This was the response from the auction Director, Carlos Viñas: “No makers [sic] name. Please find attached additional pictures. Pipe has some restoration areas, glued in the middle (amber is in good condition), need some repairs and overpaint.” So much for truth in advertising. I informed my friends, and they withdrew their bids. Nevertheless, the holder sold at 2,500 Euros plus a 25% buyer’s premium or $3,350.
 
What follows is a series of pipes at public auctions held within the last five to ten years. For a balanced report, I present an amalgam of pipes from today and yesterday. Some may be worthy of their realized prices … depending on your perspective. I can judge whether the realized prices for the antique pipes were reasonable, but I will not comment on the prudence of spending this kind of money on any of the briar pipes I have included.  As to the sequence, I wanted to present the pipes in chronological order and by medium, but I was not always successful. 


Its motif and size appealed to several of my pipe-collector friends. While the bidding was heating up, I asked the House for a condition report and advised that it needed to change the description from pipe to cheroot holder. This was the response from the auction Director, Carlos Viñas: “No makers [sic] name. Please find attached additional pictures. Pipe has some restoration areas, glued in the middle (amber is in good condition), need some repairs and overpaint.” So much for truth in advertising. I informed my friends, and they withdrew their bids. Nevertheless, the holder sold at 2,500 Euros plus a 25% buyer’s premium or $3,350.
Briar pipe aficionados may remember when a retailer at an RTDA show in San Antonio in 2000 paid an insane $9,950 for a Ser Jacobo Gem Series Diamond Brillante Maxima briar.  


What follows is a series of pipes at public auctions held within the last five to ten  six years. For a balanced report, I present an amalgam of pipes from today and yesterday. Some may be worthy of their realized prices … depending on your perspective. I can judge whether the realized prices for the antique pipes were realistic, but I will not comment on the prudence of spending this kind of money on any of the briar pipes I have included. As to the sequence, I wanted to present the pipes in chronological order and by medium, but I was not always successful.
Master pipe maker Lars Ivarsson of Denmark passed away in February 2018. His daughter, Nanna, donated one of his pipes to the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club convention in May of
that year; on the shank was inscribed the date of his birth and death. A silent auction was conducted and the successful bidder won it for $23,000.


Briar pipe aficionados may remember when a retailer at an RTDA show in San Antonio in 2000 paid an insane $9,950 for a Ser Jacobo Gem Series Diamond Brillante Maxima briar. Twenty-one years later an avalanche of very high-quality briars appeared at auction. Those who collect artisan and estate briars must have been ecstatic about the opportunities to bid at Taurus Auction of New Jersey. It’s had considerable success in five consecutive auctions of extraordinary briars—April 2021 (338 lots) and November 2021 (283 lots); March 2022 (276 lots), May 2022 (251 lots), and December 2022 (74 lots)—a total of 1,222 pristine pipes that, supposedly, belonged to one collector. I have selected a couple.  
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-54-Lars-Ivarsson.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, [https://www.smokingpipes.com/ Smokingpipes.com]]]
 
 
Several years later, an avalanche of very high-quality briars appeared at auction.
 
Several years later, an avalanche of very high-quality briars appeared at auction. Those who collect artisan and estate briars must have been ecstatic about the opportunities to bid at Taurus Auction of New Jersey. It’s had considerable success in five consecutive auctions of extraordinary briars—April 2021 (338 lots) and November 2021 (283 lots); March 2022 (276 lots), May 2022 (251 lots), and December 2022 (74 lots)—a total of 1,222 pristine pipes that, supposedly, belonged to one collector. I have selected a couple.  


First, Michael Parks’ rendition of the ancient Pyramid, Chichén Itzá, at the Maya ruins, in the April 2021 auction? The estimate was $600–$800; the winning bidder paid $3,000.
First, Michael Parks’ rendition of the ancient Pyramid, Chichén Itzá, at the Maya ruins, in the April 2021 auction? The estimate was $600–$800; the winning bidder paid $3,000.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-2-Park-.jpg|thumb|center|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-2-Park-.jpg|thumb|center|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]


From the November 2021 auction, this S. Bang Ramses estate pipe with an estimate of $400-$650 realized $1,300.  
From the November 2021 auction, this S. Bang Ramses estate pipe with an estimate of $400-$650 realized $1,300.  


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-3-Bang-.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-3-Bang-.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]


From the same auction, this S. Bang Volcano estate pipe, with an estimate of $400–$650, gaveled at $1,400.
From the same auction, this S. Bang Volcano estate pipe, with an estimate of $400–$650, gaveled at $1,400.
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-4-Bang-Boxwood-Volcano.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-4-Bang-Boxwood-Volcano.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]


And this Teddy Knudsen Eagle Grade Freehand estate pipe in the May 2022 auction had an estimate of $800–$1,600, and commanded a whopping $2,100! Unpredictable? Sure, but when does an opportunity like this occur? In this genre, lightning does not often strike twice.
And this Teddy Knudsen Eagle Grade Freehand estate pipe in the May 2022 auction had an estimate of $800–$1,600, and commanded a whopping $2,100! Unpredictable? Sure, but when does an opportunity like this occur? In this genre, lightning does not often strike twice.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-5-Knudsen-Eagle.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-5-Knudsen-Eagle.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, bidtaurusauctions.com]]




Line 45: Line 56:


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-6-Collectors-Sale-Set.jpg|thumb|500px|center|Courtesy, reemandansie.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-6-Collectors-Sale-Set.jpg|thumb|500px|center|Courtesy, reemandansie.com]]


In Selkirk’s online auction, “SMOKE: Tobacciana & Smoking Accouterments,” April 20, 2022, were many pristine briars, each with a House estimate ranging in the low $100s, except one. It was the “Bagdad” briar from the Caminetto Prestige Collective series, with 18-kt yellow-gold fittings! The House estimate was $1,800 to $2,500. It passed…no takers.  
In Selkirk’s online auction, “SMOKE: Tobacciana & Smoking Accouterments,” April 20, 2022, were many pristine briars, each with a House estimate ranging in the low $100s, except one. It was the “Bagdad” briar from the Caminetto Prestige Collective series, with 18-kt yellow-gold fittings! The House estimate was $1,800 to $2,500. It passed…no takers.  
Line 50: Line 62:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-7-Caminetto-Prestige.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, selkirkauctions.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-7-Caminetto-Prestige.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, selkirkauctions.com]]


I now address the auctions of pipes belonging to a certain class of pipe smokers: celebrities. There have been many such auctions in recent years;. Celebrity auctions are a global business. What is the appeal and value of anything that once belonged to a celebrity? The best answer is to excerpt “Worth Millions: Behind the Appeal of Celebrity Memorabilia” (''Barnebys Magazine'', August 22, 2021): <blockquote>Fans and collectors alike are willing to pay mega sums for celebrity memorabilia. From used tissues to half-eaten toast, this is the psychology behind the phenomenon. …The prices fans and collectors willingly pay are representations of how much value is placed on these items. In fact, objects that have been in physical contact with celebrities—used, worn, or even just briefly touched—hold more monetary value than less personal possessions. …Maybe it’s the connection, the rarity, or the devotion. Whatever it is, the appeal of celebrity memorabilia is surely here to stay. </blockquote>You first might want to read Laurie Jacobson’s “Hollywood Pipes” (pipesmagazine.com) to set the tone. You’d be surprised at some of the property from celebrities that has commanded big bucks at auction: John Wayne’s Stetson, Charlie Chaplin’s violin, John Lennon’s cufflinks, the headdress of Lawrence of Arabia, Errol Flynn’s wool cape, Elvis’s empty pill bottles, a lock of David Bowie’s hair, a chess set belonging to the Birdman of Alcatraz.


The Web is chock-full of articles about famous people who smoked a pipe, famous pipe smokers in history, famous writers who smoked a pipe, pipe-smoking actors, famous tobacco pipes, and such. This narrative is different. It’s about pipes ''from'' celebrities, and their disposition after they departed this life or after they lost interest in smoking. (Near the end I include a few pricey pipes at recent auctions that are not from celebrities.) I would think that, at auction, the celebrity, not the pipes, would influence the price.
I now address the auctions of pipes belonging to a certain class of pipe smokers: celebrities. There have been many such auctions in recent years; celebrity auctions are a global business. What is the appeal and value of anything that once belonged to a celebrity? The best answer is to excerpt “Worth Millions: Behind the Appeal of Celebrity Memorabilia” (''Barnebys Magazine'', August 22, 2021): <blockquote>Fans and collectors alike are willing to pay mega sums for celebrity memorabilia. From used tissues to half-eaten toast, this is the psychology behind the phenomenon. …The prices fans and collectors willingly pay are representations of how much value is placed on these items. In fact, objects that have been in physical contact with celebrities—used, worn, or even just briefly touched—hold more monetary value than less personal possessions. …Maybe it’s the connection, the rarity, or the devotion. Whatever it is, the appeal of celebrity memorabilia is surely here to stay. </blockquote>You first might want to read Laurie Jacobson’s “Hollywood Pipes” (pipesmagazine.com) to set the tone. You’d be surprised at some of the property from celebrities that has commanded big bucks at auction: John Wayne’s Stetson, Charlie Chaplin’s violin, John Lennon’s cufflinks, the headdress of Lawrence of Arabia, Errol Flynn’s wool cape, Elvis’s empty pill bottles, a lock of David Bowie’s hair, a chess set belonging to the Birdman of Alcatraz. On its website, Getty illustrates 738 celebrities smoking a pipe and, more specifically, tobaccopipes.com posts: “10 Famous Pipe Smokers: Hollywood.”
 
The Web is chock-full of articles about famous people who smoked a pipe, famous pipe smokers in history, famous writers who smoked a pipe, pipe-smoking actors, famous tobacco pipes, and such. This narrative is different. It’s about pipes belonging to celebrities, and their disposition after they departed this life or after they lost interest in smoking. (Near the end I include a few pricey pipes at recent auctions that are not from celebrities.) I would think that, at auction, the celebrity, not the pipes, would influence the price.


To be clear, celebrity pipes are something else entirely, at least to me … and there are plenty for sale on Etsy and eBay, such as this figural clay pipe of Gladstone. He was a celebrity.
To be clear, celebrity pipes are something else entirely, at least to me … and there are plenty for sale on Etsy and eBay, such as this figural clay pipe of Gladstone. He was a celebrity.
Line 58: Line 71:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-8-Gladstone-Clay.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, ebay.co.uk]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-8-Gladstone-Clay.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, ebay.co.uk]]


Or such as these two of the bust of 45th President. 


<center><gallery widths=450 heights=300>
Or the bust of former President Trump. 
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-9-45-1.jpg|Courtesy, craftsmanpipes.com
 
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-10-45-2.jpg|Courtesy, craftsmanpipes.com
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-9-45-1.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, craftsmanpipes.com]]
</gallery></center>


Many TV personalities and movie stars smoked a pipe on and off the set, and their pipes have appeared in a public auction. These pipes are attributed to the late British actor, Peter Cushing, who used them as props in his screen and stage roles, …but they’re not for sale. They belong to Nuno Miranda, a collector of film and TV props.


Many TV personalities and movie stars smoked a pipe on and off the set, and their pipes have appeared in a public auction. These pipes are attributed to the late British actor, Peter Cushing, who used them as props in his screen and stage roles, but they’re not for sale. They belong to Nuno Miranda, a collector of film and TV props.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-11-Cushing-Set.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, mondodrop.blogspot.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-11-Cushing-Set.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Courtesy, mondodrop.blogspot.com]]


I found more public auctions than I had expected. Unfortunately, in instances, the auction house, the auction date, the pipe images and other specifics are absent, so it’s impossible to determine whether the auctioned pipes were high-grade or drug-store variety. As you scroll through these auctions, keep in mind the fact that most auction appraisers do not have an understanding of pipe values, so estimates are, most likely, guestimates. Here’s one example: All I found was that Yul Brynner’s 30 pipes and two cigarette cases were auctioned in Paris in 1996.  
I found more public auctions than I had expected. Unfortunately, in instances, the auction house, the auction date, the pipe images and other specifics are absent, so it’s impossible to determine whether the auctioned pipes were high-grade or drug-store variety. As you scroll through these auctions, keep in mind the fact that most auction appraisers do not have an understanding of pipe values, so estimates are, most likely, guestimates. Here’s one example: All I found was that Yul Brynner’s 30 pipes and two cigarette cases were auctioned in Paris in 1996.  
Line 75: Line 87:


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-12-Richards-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-12-Richards-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]


Actor Glenn Ford. Heritage Auctions sold his pipe rack with six pipes in October 2008 for $537.75.
Actor Glenn Ford. Heritage Auctions sold his pipe rack with six pipes in October 2008 for $537.75.
Line 80: Line 93:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-13-GlenFord-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-13-GlenFord-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]


In September 2010, Hake’s conducted a two-part online auction that included this Smoke Master briar pipe and Yello Bole cigar holder belonging to the legendary Hollywood actor John Barrymore. The House placed a value of $400–$700, and a starting bid of $287.50. No takers.
 
John Barrymore. In September 2010, Hake’s conducted a two-part online auction that included this Smoke Master briar pipe and Yello Bole cigar holder. The House placed a value of $400–$700, and a starting bid of $287.50. No takers.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-14-YelloBole-Barrymore-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, hakes.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-14-YelloBole-Barrymore-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, hakes.com]]


Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach. SCP Auctions sold his pipe rack with inset tobacco jar and eight briars in 2011 for $428.  
Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach. SCP Auctions sold his pipe rack with inset tobacco jar and eight briars in 2011 for $428.  
Line 89: Line 104:




Aaron Spelling. It was fairly well-known that the actor, writer and TV producer had a collection of some 600 Dunhill, Saseini 4-Dot, and S.T. Dupont pipes. Sometime after he died in 2006, Spelling’s estate contacted Kevin Godbee, who contacted Rick Newcombe and then onto Brian Levine and Sykes Wilford. In 2010, Brian, Kevin, and Sykes catalogued the collection at Pheasant Run during the Chicagoland Pipe Show in 2010. The extensive collection was available to the public but not in a public auction. Smokingpipes.com sold them all in 2011 and 2012. Kevin posted his involvement at pipesmagazine.com.


Aaron Spelling. It was fairly well-known that the actor, writer and TV producer had a collection of some 600 Dunhill, Saseini 4-Dot, and S.T. Dupont pipes. Sometime after he died in 2006, Spelling’s estate contacted Kevin Godbee, who contacted Rick Newcombe and then onto Brian Levine and Sykes Wilford. In 2010, Brian, Kevin, and Sykes catalogued the collection at Pheasant Run during the Chicagoland Pipe Show in 2010. This extensive collection was available to the public but not in a public auction. Smokingpipes.com sold them all in 2011 and 2012. Kevin posted his involvement at pipesmagazine.com.
Orson Welles. In the March 2012 Nate D. Sanders Hollywood Memorabilia auction was “Lot 1550, Orson Welles Personal Signed Pipe Set. The eclectic pipe set includes eleven pipes from different worldwide pipe brands Oval wooden display unit holds a possible 24 pipes and features two glass tobacco jars with wooden lids in the center.” Minimum bid was $100; the realized price, $1,477.


Orson Welles. In the March 2012 Nate D. Sanders Hollywood Memorabilia auction was “Lot 1550, Orson Welles Personal Signed Pipe Set. The eclectic pipe set includes eleven pipes from different worldwide pipe brands Oval wooden display unit holds a possible 24 pipes and features two glass tobacco jars with wooden lids in the center.” Minimum bid was $100; the realized price, $1,477.  
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-15B-OrsenWells-Set.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, Nate D. Sanders Auctions]]
 
 
William Faulkner. Chuck Stanion had written about his life in May 2023: “William Faulkner: Pipe
Smoker” (smokingpipes.com) in which he states: “We know he owned at least one Digby,
because it was auctioned in 2012.” It was also a well-known fact in other circles. Stephen J.
Gertz, “You Can Smoke William Faulkner’s Pipe For Only $3,000–$5,000” (booktryst.com). In
August 2012, PBA Galleries, Berkeley, California, conducted Sale 487, “Fine Literature.” Lot 100
was “Tobacco pipe owned and smoked by William Faulkner.” It was his Digby briar, a tobacco
pouch, and an empty Dunhill pipe box with an estimate of $3,000–$5,000 and a buyer’s
premium of 20 percent. You probably guessed it: it was unsold.
 
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-15C-Falkner.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, booktryst.com]]


William Faulkner. In August 2012, his Digby briar and a tobacco pouch were on the auction block at PBA Galleries, Berkeley, California, with a minimum opening bid of $3,000–$5,000. You probably guessed it: it was unsold.


Thomas Kretschmann. In the 2015 Dracula Auction, there were no bidders for a lot that consisted of the pipe, matches, and tobacco pouch belonging to the not-so-celebrity Van Helsing.   
Thomas Kretschmann. In the 2015 Dracula Auction, there were no bidders for a lot that consisted of the pipe, matches, and tobacco pouch belonging to the not-so-celebrity Van Helsing.   
Line 101: Line 128:




 
Bing Crosby. The first mention of an auction from his estate after he died in 1977 was by Robert Lindsey in ''The New York Times'' article, “Memorabilia of Bing Crosby’s Houses Will Be Sold” (April 18, 1982); he listed many of Bing’s possessions, but pipes was were not mentioned. In the following month, another article in ''The New York Times'': “From Pipes to Cars, Fans of Bing Crosby Buy Pieces of His Life” (May 30, 1982): “…1,400 lots of the late singer’s possessions, including his pipes, his golf clubs, pocket watches, gold clips and some of shirts, ties and socks.” The auction was to be conducted by Butterfield Auctioneers, San Francisco. However, I found this: “Fans, bargain hunters claim memories of Bing” (stevenlewis.info): “The 26 pipes offered for sale included some a foot long and others that were hooked with huge ceramic bowls. Some had ivory mouth pieces, others were briarwood.”  
Bing Crosby. The first mention of an auction from his estate after he died in 1977 was by Robert Lindsey in ''The New York Times'' article, “Memorabilia of Bing Crosby’s Houses Will Be Sold” (April 18, 1982); he listed many of Bing’s possessions, but pipes was were not one of them. In the following month, another article in ''The New York Times'': “From Pipes to Cars, Fans of Bing Crosby Buy Pieces of His Life” (May 30, 1982): “…1,400 lots of the late singer’s possessions, including his pipes, his golf clubs, pocket watches, gold clips and some of shirts, ties and socks.” The auction was to be conducted by Butterfield Auctioneers, San Francisco. However, I found this: “Fans, bargain hunters claim memories of Bing” (stevenlewis.info): “The 26 pipes offered for sale included some a foot long and others that were hooked with huge ceramic bowls. Some had ivory mouth pieces, others were briarwood.”  


The first recent auction that included a Crosby pipe was the Heritage “Music/ Entertainment/Memorabilia Signature” auction in 2006. Someone paid $776.75 to win this Turkish meerschaum!
The first recent auction that included a Crosby pipe was the Heritage “Music/ Entertainment/Memorabilia Signature” auction in 2006. Someone paid $776.75 to win this Turkish meerschaum!
Line 112: Line 138:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-18-Crosby-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, bonhams.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-18-Crosby-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, bonhams.com]]


In November 2017, GWS Auctions, Agoura Hills, California, sold most of the pipe collection from the estate. Lot 47E consisted of nine pipes with an estimate of $2,000–$3,000, and the gavel struck $275.
In November 2017, GWS Auctions, Agoura Hills, California, sold most of the pipe collection from the estate in five lots. Lot 47E consisted of nine pipes with an estimate of $2,000–$3,000, and the gavel struck $275.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-19-Crosby-3.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, invaluable.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-19-Crosby-3.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, invaluable.com]]
Line 126: Line 152:
Lot 59B, another nine pipes. With the very same estimate, this lot sold at $325.
Lot 59B, another nine pipes. With the very same estimate, this lot sold at $325.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-22-Crosby-6-59B.jpg|thumb|center|600px|SYSOP Note: Same as lot 47E above? Courtesy, invaluable.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-22-Crosby-6-59B-corrected.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, invaluable.com]]
 
Lot 59C consisted of eight pipes, with an estimate of $1,500–$2,000; the lot sold for $400.
 
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-22B-Crosby-6-59C.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, invaluable.com]]


Ain’t much to look at in any of the four lots, and the realized prices indicated as much. As recently as April 2023, Proctor Auctions, New Bern, North Carolina, “Discovery Auction 130” included 207 lots; Lots 39, 42, and 45, each consisting of “NOS 3 Bing Crosby Pipes” with the advisory “Price Realized Not Uploaded.”  
 
Ain’t much to look at in any of the five lots, and the realized prices indicated as much. As recently as April 2023, Proctor Auctions, New Bern, North Carolina, “Discovery Auction 130” included Lots 39, 42, and 45, each consisting of “NOS 3 Bing Crosby Pipes” with the advisory “Price Realized Not Uploaded.”  


Crosby was so admired that he has a following in today’s industry with pipes being made to memorialize him: The Peterson Bing, Sara Eltang’s Bing Crosby, Savinelli’s Bing Favorite series, at least two Dunhill shell briar Group 3 Bing Crosby pipes and the Dunhill County 4110 Bing Crosby, the Ser Jacopo Smooth L1, Merchant Service Bings, and Scottie Piersel’s Bing Crosby three-pipe set and stand. See Jeffery Sitts, “Bing Crosby: Singer, Actor, Pipe Smoker” (smokingpipes.com).  
Crosby was so admired that he has a following in today’s industry with pipes being made to memorialize him: The Peterson Bing, Sara Eltang’s Bing Crosby, Savinelli’s Bing Favorite series, at least two Dunhill shell briar Group 3 Bing Crosby pipes and the Dunhill County 4110 Bing Crosby, the Ser Jacopo Smooth L1, Merchant Service Bings, and Scottie Piersel’s Bing Crosby three-pipe set and stand. See Jeffery Sitts, “Bing Crosby: Singer, Actor, Pipe Smoker” (smokingpipes.com).  
Line 136: Line 167:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-23-Ford.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-23-Ford.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]


Albert Einstein. In Christie’s, London, auction, “Valuable Books and Manuscripts” in July 2017, among some of Albert Einstein’s collection of personal effects was this sandblasted billiard with an estimate of 5,000–8,000 GBP. The realized price? It was tenfold more than the House anticipated, 52,500 GBP or $67,200. Someone wanted this pipe at any price.
Albert Einstein. In Christie’s, London, auction, “Valuable Books and Manuscripts” in July 2017, among some of Albert Einstein’s collection of personal effects was this Davidoff sandblasted billiard with an estimate of 5,000–8,000 GBP. The realized price? It was tenfold more than the House anticipated, 52,500 GBP or $67,200. Someone wanted this pipe at any price.


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-24-Einstein.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, Christie’s, London]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-24-Einstein.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, Christie’s, London]]
Line 148: Line 179:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-26-Einstein-Collection.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, rrauction.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-26-Einstein-Collection.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, rrauction.com]]


This much-used smoked Einstein pipe was donated to the Smithsonian in 1979.  
Parenthetically, this much-smoked Einstein pipe was donated to the Smithsonian in 1979.  


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-27-Einstein-Smithsonian.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, si.edu]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-27-Einstein-Smithsonian.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, si.edu]]
Line 166: Line 197:
Six years later, on October 7, 2017, a Profiles in History auction (Calabasas, California) sold Lot 52, “Edward G. Robinson personal Benson and Hedges humidor” that “…contained (10+) tobacco pipes.” The estimate was $3,000–$5,000, and the lucky buyer won it for $4,500. But it’s a bit confusing. On the same day, Heritage Auctions sponsored an Entertainment & Multimedia/Profiles in Courage: The Personal Property Auction of Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds auction that contained Lot 1052, the same humidor with 14 pipes and a realized price of $5,400. It’s dyslexic, but the difference is just $900!
Six years later, on October 7, 2017, a Profiles in History auction (Calabasas, California) sold Lot 52, “Edward G. Robinson personal Benson and Hedges humidor” that “…contained (10+) tobacco pipes.” The estimate was $3,000–$5,000, and the lucky buyer won it for $4,500. But it’s a bit confusing. On the same day, Heritage Auctions sponsored an Entertainment & Multimedia/Profiles in Courage: The Personal Property Auction of Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds auction that contained Lot 1052, the same humidor with 14 pipes and a realized price of $5,400. It’s dyslexic, but the difference is just $900!


<center><gallery widths=400 heights=400>
<center><gallery widths="400" heights="400">
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-30-Robinson-BensonHedgesHumidor.jpg
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-30-Robinson-BensonHedgesHumidor.jpg
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-30-Robinson-Pipes.jpg
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-30-Robinson-Pipes.jpg
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>


The comedian Jerry Lewis (Joseph Levitch). In June 2018, Julien’s Auctions conducted a two-day Hollywood Legends auction in Las Vegas that included property from the estate of Jerry Lewis: three pipes––a Dunhill Shell Briar with a 14-kt gold fitting (stamped B118 33), a K&P Tankard, and a Chacom lady’s pipe–with a House estimate of $200–$300. Two bids and a , yielded two bids, sold price: $640.   
The comedian Jerry Lewis (Joseph Levitch). In June 2018, Julien’s Auctions conducted a two-day Hollywood Legends auction in Las Vegas that included property from the estate of Jerry Lewis: three pipes––a Dunhill Shell Briar with a 14-kt gold fitting, a K&P Tankard, and a Chacom lady’s pipe–with a House estimate of $200–$300. Two bids and a sold price: $640.   


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-31-JerryLewis-3Pipes.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, julienslive.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-31-JerryLewis-3Pipes.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, julienslive.com]]
Line 183: Line 214:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-33-Hefner-Playboy.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, julienslive.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-33-Hefner-Playboy.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, julienslive.com]]


Burt Reynolds. On June 15–16, 2019, Julien’s Auction hosted the sale of the property of the Burt Reynolds estate. Burt smoked cigars, so the catalog included many of cigar cases and humidors, and but he also owned an assortment of tobacco pipes, most of which were unremarkable. Lot 612: “Inlaid Pipe Stand and [5] Pipes, $1,000–$1,500”; Lot 613: “Pipe Stand and [9] Pipes, $1,000–$1,500”; Lot 615: “Pipe Stand and [3] Pipes, $800–$,1200”; Lot 616: “Pipe Stand and [5] Pipes, $500–$700; Lot 618: “Pipe Stand and [3] Pipes, $300–$500; and Lot 621: “[2] Tobacco Pipes,” in their pipe stands, $200–$300. These two lots were the highest bids.  
Burt Reynolds. On June 15–16, 2019, Julien’s Auction hosted the sale of the property of the Burt Reynolds estate. Burt smoked cigars, so the catalog included many cigar cases and humidors, but he also owned an assortment of tobacco pipes, most of which were unremarkable. Lot 612: “Inlaid Pipe Stand and [5] Pipes, $1,000–$1,500”; Lot 613: “Pipe Stand and [9] Pipes, $1,000–$1,500”; Lot 615: “Pipe Stand and [3] Pipes, $800–$,1200”; Lot 616: “Pipe Stand and [5] Pipes, $500–$700; Lot 618: “Pipe Stand and [3] Pipes, $300–$500; and Lot 621: “[2] Tobacco Pipes,” in their pipe stands, $200–$300. These two lots were the highest bids.  


<center><gallery widths=400 heights=400>
<center><gallery widths="400" heights="400">


File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-34-BurtReynolds.jpg|Lot 612, courtesy, julienslive.com
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-34-BurtReynolds.jpg|Lot 612, courtesy, julienslive.com
Line 197: Line 228:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-36-Stallone.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, worthpoint.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-36-Stallone.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, worthpoint.com]]


'''Note from the SYSOP''': After reading this article, Rob De Stasio wrote to let us know that he owns a Dunhill 320 Vest Pocket pipe in the black Dress finish with an ivory stem that belonged to Nat King Cole. Cole apparently smoked it between sets when performing. It's a 1954 Patent Date Dunhill. Rob purchased it on eBay from the seller who got it at an estate sale of Mr. Coles widow, Maria's, home in the Berkshires. In addition to photos of the pipe, he sends a written declaration and a copy of the ad for the sale. In addition you can see an article from the New York Times describing the sale [https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1994/07/24/729566.html?pageNumber=236 here]. Rob purchased the pipe on eBay in 2002 for $263.00.
<gallery widths="300" heights="200" caption="Pipe belonging to Nat King Cole and supporting documents, courtesy Rob Di Stasio">
NKC-Pipe-1.JPG|Pipe belonging to Nat King Cole
NKC-Pipe-2.JPG|
</gallery>
<gallery widths="250" heights="400">
NKC-Pipe-Declaration.jpeg|Declaration
NKC-Pipe-SaleListing.jpg
NKC-Pipe-ShopersGuideIssue.jpg
</gallery>




Line 244: Line 286:
Admittedly, this meerschaum pipe was auctioned more than a decade ago, but I include it to prove a point, why its realized price far exceeded what I would have considered it, then, to have had a current-market value of only $400–$500. It was its provenance. It appeared in Freeman’s “Fine American Furniture & Decorative Art,” on November 14, 2009. It was probably carved in the late 1800s, and it’s not a meerschaum collector’s dream accession, if graded only by its carving, rarity of motif, or size. It was the attribution that dictated the frenetic bidding. The bowl is carved with two Native Americans, one holding a horse and an amber mouthpiece. On the fitted case is a metal plaque: “To Col. W. F. Cody/Buffalo Bill/from/George O. Starr.” Mr. Starr held many roles with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, including as press agent, foreign representative, and managing director. He oversaw Mr. Bailey’s interest in Europe, including the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show during its 1902–1906 tour. It is probable that Mr. Starr presented this pipe to Buffalo Bill Cody during this tour. The estimate was a whopping $6,000–$8,000, and it sold for $9,375.
Admittedly, this meerschaum pipe was auctioned more than a decade ago, but I include it to prove a point, why its realized price far exceeded what I would have considered it, then, to have had a current-market value of only $400–$500. It was its provenance. It appeared in Freeman’s “Fine American Furniture & Decorative Art,” on November 14, 2009. It was probably carved in the late 1800s, and it’s not a meerschaum collector’s dream accession, if graded only by its carving, rarity of motif, or size. It was the attribution that dictated the frenetic bidding. The bowl is carved with two Native Americans, one holding a horse and an amber mouthpiece. On the fitted case is a metal plaque: “To Col. W. F. Cody/Buffalo Bill/from/George O. Starr.” Mr. Starr held many roles with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, including as press agent, foreign representative, and managing director. He oversaw Mr. Bailey’s interest in Europe, including the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show during its 1902–1906 tour. It is probable that Mr. Starr presented this pipe to Buffalo Bill Cody during this tour. The estimate was a whopping $6,000–$8,000, and it sold for $9,375.


<center><gallery widths=400 heights=400>
<center><gallery widths="400" heights="400">
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-46-Starr-BuffaloBull.jpg|Courtesy, freemansauction.com
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-46-Starr-BuffaloBull.jpg|Courtesy, freemansauction.com
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-46-Starr-BuffaloBull-2.jpg|Courtesy, freemansauction.com
File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-46-Starr-BuffaloBull-2.jpg|Courtesy, freemansauction.com
Line 268: Line 310:
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-51-Ivory-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, piguet.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-51-Ivory-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, piguet.com]]


How about a A solid amber pipe?  It’s not practical pipe to smoke, because amber, a soft gem, burns at relatively low temperatures. Yet, from the 1850s onward, amber was turned into mouthpieces and all-amber pipes which that are rare finds today, such as this one in pristine condition, the amber figural of a bull. It has a long history of ownership. In 1940, the American Tobacco Company acquired the Demuth Company collection of about 250 pipes; American named it the “Half and Half Collection” after its best-selling pipe tobacco, and displayed it at the company plant in Richmond, Virginia. In 1957, the collection was donated to the Valentine Museum in that city. In 1991, The Valentine sold the collection to the Austrian Tobacco Museum, Vienna. The Museum shuttered in early 2002, and its contents were sold later in the year by Kunst Auktionen, Vienna, where this pipe was purchased by a French collector. After he died, it reappeared in this Piguet auction. The house estimate was a low 1,000–1,500 CHF. Its realized price was unexpected 7,000 CHF or about $7,800.  
A solid amber pipe?  It’s not practical pipe to smoke, because amber, a soft gem, burns at relatively low temperatures. Yet, from the 1850s onward, amber was turned into mouthpieces and all-amber pipes that are rare finds today, such as this one in pristine condition, the amber figural of a bull. It has a long history of ownership. In 1940, the American Tobacco Company acquired the Demuth Company collection of about 250 pipes; American named it the “Half and Half Collection” after its best-selling pipe tobacco, and displayed it at the company plant in Richmond, Virginia. In 1957, the collection was donated to the Valentine Museum in that city. In 1991, The Valentine sold the collection to the Austrian Tobacco Museum, Vienna. The Museum shuttered in early 2002, and its contents were sold later in the year by Kunst Auktionen, Vienna, where this pipe was purchased by a French collector. After he died, it reappeared in this Piguet auction. The house estimate was a low 1,000–1,500 CHF. Its realized price was unexpected 7,000 CHF or about $7,800.  


[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-52-Amber-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, piguet.com]]
[[File:Rapaport-Pipe-Auctions-52-Amber-2.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Courtesy, piguet.com]]
Line 290: Line 332:
In closing, I am reminded of A. B. MacAttammany’s “How to Push Sales of Pipes” (''Drug Trade Weekly'', July 10, 1920). He advised the retailer to use certain phrases to attract attention: “Don’t overlook this special sale on pipes”; “Do you want to buy a real briar at a right price?”; and “You won’t get another chance like this to buy a best briar.” They are applicable to the auction scene in this century. So, to all those who have the financial ability to purchase rare and unusual pipes at auction, ''carpe diem''!
In closing, I am reminded of A. B. MacAttammany’s “How to Push Sales of Pipes” (''Drug Trade Weekly'', July 10, 1920). He advised the retailer to use certain phrases to attract attention: “Don’t overlook this special sale on pipes”; “Do you want to buy a real briar at a right price?”; and “You won’t get another chance like this to buy a best briar.” They are applicable to the auction scene in this century. So, to all those who have the financial ability to purchase rare and unusual pipes at auction, ''carpe diem''!


*See also Ben's article: [[Where’s The Real Pipe Action? I Say It’s At The Auction Block!]]


[[Category:Ben Rapaport]]
[[Category:Ben Rapaport]]
Retrieved from "https://pipedia.org/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/54165...55857"