Original Stem?

[beerandbaccy]

Thinking of buying this 100 yr old pipe but the stem doesn't look right
Any thoughts from the more knowledgable (than me) out there?

 

[georged]

It might be original. Post close-ups of both the tenon and button from a couple angles for a better assessment.
What looks promising in that shot is the button looks radiused, and the diameter of the stem's base looks right in relation to the band (most rep stem makers leave them level because it's much easier & faster to do.)
The odd, too-straight bend could be the result of the pipe being left somewhere hot like a car dashboard, which can soften vulcanite enough that it relaxes & tries to return to its original shape, so ignore that---it doesn't necessarily mean anything.

 

[aggravatedfarmer]

That's a beauty regardless if it is an original stem or not.

 

[condorlover1]

Looks original to me. Does it have a case? That will tell you if the stem has been replaced pretty quickly. Hawke has a Calabash I gave him years ago and you can see the stem was replaced some time in the 1960s as the button is ever so slightly wider that the case. Thats a very nice pipe if you are into calabashes.

 

[davet]

Perhaps someone straightened it, the line of oxidisation makes me think that it was immersed in hot water or something. Nice pipe though, I've been eyeing them for awhile now.

 

[gloucesterman]

You can take George's assessment to the bank. That's his specialty and he often sees subtleties others miss.

 

[beerandbaccy]

Thanks all for your advice, If i get it I'll post some better pics! :puffpipe:

 

[fishnbanjo]

I was able to really enlarge the photo without losing any clarity as it was a high definition photo. If that is not original it is a dang fine replacement since it fits the band area so well it nearly matches where the gourd meets it as well, if you buy it you'll have a beautiful Calabash. Regards.....

banjo