Saw this over on A Passion for Pipes and thought a rebroadcast was in order:
http://www.apassionforpipes.com/neills-blog/2011/5/20/help-track-down-a-stolen-pipe.html

The short version: J. Alan pipe, stamped with #540 11 and maker's mark, stolen at Chicago show. Sandblast freehand (acorn-ish bowl), butterscotch tan color (which could be changed before attempt to resell.)

Keep an eye out, won't you?

Man, that´s low.

I can´t imagine a pipe acquired in such a manner could bring much pleasure to the "new owner".

I wouldn't think pipe smokers would be the type for that kind of brazen jack move. I'm going to go out on a limb and say maybe the dude just lost/misplaced it. I know after I have a couple bowls and a few scotches in me I tend to be more lackadaisical about the security of my belongings, especially among those considered friends. I would think that anybody who has the time, money, and interest to attend the Chicago show is probably not the type to swipe an easily identifiable pipe. May that pipe give every tobacco pure Fart stench upon lighting, searing tongue bite, and burn to a charcoal black

On any note if you see a guy smoking this pipe, tamp him to death

Happy end to this incident: one of the owner's friends had accidentally put the pipe in his own bag when leaving the smoking tent. An honest mistake; the integrity the Brotherhood of pipe smokers (and the hotel staff) remains intact.

It's safe and will be returned. Good news.

Good News! The pipe was found!

Good, now they can call off the Tamper Alert!

I know, it's really stretching it...

Now that was funny Hermit!