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Royal Bum
I wouldn't be able to say whether I'd be interested just looking at the pics. I'd have to hold them.
An hour's drive isn't bad. One Saturday, take a drive over and take a look. Hell, I love antique shops anyway. I spent several hours going to 4 or 5 different ones today. Bought a bent Peterson Kildare (posted a pic in the "what have you bought lately" thread).
As far as what I look for, I keep an open mind. Now I don't buy corn cobs or new production Grabows.
I do like older vintage Dr. Grabows, and have 2 that smoke fantastic that I picked up for $8 each.
This is a pre-Republic Peterson Shamrock that is my best find so far at only $20.

I have purchased 2 Petersons, 2 Ben Wades (one a fantastic freehand), 2 vintage Dr. Grabows, 1 Kaywoodie from the 1950s, and several others at antique shops or flea markets.
As for what I consider a good deal, I'm looking for the big name brands like you mentioned. Most antique shops will price them in the $20-30 range (at least around here). The problem is, they usually have Grabows prices at that amount as well, often with stems all chewed to hell. You have to sort through a lot of crap.
Also, one thing they do around here is have a box full of pipes, just laying in there on top of each other. Usually they're $8-10 each. I have found the 2 vintage Grabows and a very cool London made Ben Wade apple shaped in those.
Overall, just have a good time at the antique shop. You never know what you're going to find.
Also, don't feel bad if you leave empty handed. Don't buy a crap pipe just because you want to buy one. I did that some when I first started and have a few pipes that I literally never touch.
Have fun. Hunting for them is half the fun.
Check out my Youtube channel, Razorback Piper Guy if you like that sort of thing.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDM...i44pRZ4AP-_1OA
If heaven has no cigars, I shall not go there. - Mark Twain
It has been my experience that folks who have no vices, have very few virtues. - Abraham Lincoln
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