Sounds quite likely. Ordering silver fittings in small numbers would be expensive in comparison to bulk buys. The speed of use would be dependent on the production of pipes. I can see them lasting a couple of years but surely not 15 or 20 years.
I was wondering around an antique fair on Saturday and came across this silver mounted BBB pipe measuring 10.5 inches long. Not really my thing but could not refuse it at £20. Its a strange thing for sure but as you'd expect lovely quality.
Ray