Hi brothers,

Well, I've decided to explore the land of briar. I've bid on an old Italian pipe “ CROCI “ free form bent in walnut briar on FleaBay.

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From the sellers copy. "The briar of this pipe is very beautiful and it is straight grain in more part of the bowl. The acrylic mouth piece is in excellent condition and it is free of the teeth marks with the Croci logo. On the bottom is stamped (Pipa Croci Cremona fatta a mano) 1982. The pipe was professionally restored and it is ready to smoke."

The shape appealed to me and perhaps I will win this for just a few dollars. Shape is probably the least I should concern myself with, but you gotta start somewhere. Being a "newb" to pipes (I'm less than a newb.) I'm now beginning to read a few articles about care and maintenance. I suspect this is the easy part. The more challenging and enjoyable journey will be the pursuit of the "tobacco". :-)

So for now I will read more and post less. Just wanted to say hello and I look forward to learning from you guys.

Fred
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Nice looking pipe! And welcome to the world of briar. I have found that a good pipe complements my cigar smoking nicely. You will find many knowledgable botl here.
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Hi Fred,

Nice looking pipe!! it looks like its in great shape! Theres a few of us around the asylum just starting out with the pipe, it should be fun swapping pipe stories.
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I was successful in purchasing my FIRST pipe! :-)

Now the wait begins for it to arrive. In the meantime, I would be interested in purchasing several 2 oz samplers of varied tobacco's and a tamper, pipe stand or other accessories. Please PM me.

I haven't smoked my first bowl yet and I've decided to pull the pin and jump in with both feet. I remember my early cigar experiences and how long it took to make the journey to enjoyment. The few bucks difference between wandering in the wilderness and inserting myself further into the pipe journey seems to me to be a good investment. OK, I'm done justifying my addictive behavior! :-) :-) :-)
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Congrats Fred! I too have been thinking of trying a pipe. My dad wad a big pipe guy.

Nice looking pipe, njoy.
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Congratulations! That is a nice pipe.
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I'm ready for Hydrated's PIF. I can't wait to smoke my new estate acquisitions. :-)

Pipa Croci Cremona fatta a mano
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Stanwell Febrano Dublin
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Savinelli Autograph Bent
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Wow Fred... You picked up some beauties there!!! We need to talk tobacco mate. Give me a call this week & organize a time to drop over. I have a few things for you to try :-)
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Wait a couple of days for my package to hit Fred's doorstep. Then you'll have far fewer holes to fill in... straight Virginias, Va/Pers, English blends, straight codger burley, aromatics. We got him covered.
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Well there, Freddo... the pleasure I expect you'll find in that lovely Croci will pretty much make your avatar obsolete. You want to sell it while it's still worth something? :-)
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really nice looking pipes, I like the staright stem Sav...

those look to be in great shape, estates, wow... nice pick ups.

Interested to hear what you think once the baccy arrives, keep us posted.
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Those are some nice looking pipes! I hope you enjoy your journey in pipes!
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The Sav and Stanwell arrived! :-)

Now I'm building a cellar using these. Hydrated's PIF will now have a home. :-)

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Probably better take the olive's out first... :-)
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Glad to see you joining the Darker side! Pipe is a good compliment to Cigars, sometimes I have to clear my head with a good aromatic. Al better watch his back as well! :-)
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Today I will smoke my first bowl and enjoy my poverty before socialism does!

I'm having lunch with Peter (physiognomy) and light-up a selection he has prepared for me. Then, we are going shopping for pipe accessories. Will post pics of the wreckage and a review of my first smoking experience later.

My shopping list.

Selection of Baccy
Old Boy lighter & fuel
Tamper
Pouch
Cork knocker
Ash tray
Misc pipe cleaners
Pipe sweetner
Grain alcohol
Pipe and stem polish
Reamer tool set
Fold-up pipe rest(s)
Pipe stand
Another pipe for my rotation
And...any dam thing that strikes my fancy.
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What a day! :-)

First Peter spends several hours going over baccy's, care and maintenance and suffering my excitement. Smoked my first bowl and it was pure satisfaction and I know that I'm beyond help! :-)

Here are some samplers he gifted me.

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Then we went shopping and I picked up a couple of things. Going to get the rest of my list online.

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Thanks to anyone who happens buy for also suffering my excitement! :-) :-)
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Way to go Fred - A Pipe Mentor close by is probably worth more than all that stuff you are accumulating but it all looks more than sufficient to get you in your groove. :-) plus patience and good advice equals :-) Best to you and have fun with it.
Jerry
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It was a good day Fred... Nothing better than seeing you have a turn as the kid in a candy store. Fun isn't it :-)

I can't let this slide without saying that your generosity shows no bounds. Thank you for sharing your friendship and company today, but also for the gifts that Dawn & I will cherish.

Now lighting & carrying my pipe with style... :-)
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My better half's first pipe... Dawn loves it & has claimed a prime spot on my pipe rack :-)
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