Rejuvenating a Louis Lamberthod Briar Bull

[Lost Somnambulist]

This is the fourth old briar figural pipe I've worked with and my appreciation for their carvers is only growing. My goal on these has been to restore life into them without erasing their history. There is still a little polishing to do on the stem and this old bull has had its left glass eye replaced with a filler sometime in its past. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to leave the old eye war wound as it is or search out a proper glass replacement, no hurry on that decision though. The Lamberthod name is almost hidden where the smooth briar transitions to the carving below the left ear, but it is there. Finding that name was a welcome surprise as it uncovered some of the mystery of the pipe's past which is always intriguing. It also makes it a great piece of pipe history.

This first photo is of when it first arrived. The ones after are where it is currently at in its rejuvenation.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Here is a neat post on Peterson Pipe Notes about the machine used for replicating these figural pipes:

February 15, 2021 – Peterson Pipe Notes

petersonpipenotes.org

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's an impressive bull carving. They usually look like a child's drawing.

 

[Lost Somnambulist]

Here is a neat post on Peterson Pipe Notes about the machine used for replicating these figural pipes:

February 15, 2021 – Peterson Pipe Notes

petersonpipenotes.org

Thanks for the link! I'm a gadget guy so things like that absolutely fascinate me.

 

[Lost Somnambulist]

That's an impressive bull carving. They usually look like a child's drawing.

The unusual quality is what first got my attention. You are exactly right, most look like they were carved by toddlers, or even worse, by me! This one was a surprise to stumble across. Internally, it is in beautiful condition as well.