Replacement Silver Band on Meerschaum

[mtwaller]

Does anyone know of a reputable person who could fashion a silver band as a replacement on a meerschaum pipe? I took a chance on this no name estate meer. It was just speaking to me. However, I love having silver bands on my pipes and I will likely replace the stainless steel one that’s currently in place. Any leads in the right direction are greatly appreciated!

 

[AroEnglish]

@lonestar, @doug535, and @cosmicfolklore are who come to mind.

 

[Peter Turbo]

Ryan Alden did one for me earlier this year, not cheap though.

 

[doug535]

Thanks for the nod my way @AroEnglish, but I'll have to defer to the others listed. My silver work is geared more towards pipes I'm making, not repair work.

 

[mtwaller]

Ryan Alden did one for me earlier this year, not cheap though.

Oh man, I bet it wasn’t. Didn’t even know he was open to doing such things.

 

[georged]

Does anyone know of a reputable person who could fashion a silver band as a replacement on a meerschaum pipe? I took a chance on this no name estate meer. It was just speaking to me. However, I love having silver bands on my pipes and I will likely replace the stainless steel one that’s currently in place. Any leads in the right direction are greatly appreciated!

View attachment 275243

Repair bands are made of thin metal, are faintly conical, and must be forced on after expanding with heat and then allowed to "shrink" tight. Not something that can be done with meers.

Original bands are thick(ish) ones that are usually parallel sided, and the stummel is carved so the band is a slip fit and is then glued in place.

What you are asking for is retro-fitting a NON repair band. Fashioning one that's dimensionally identical to what's on your pipe now, and then swapping them.

It can be done, but only by a real live, honest-to-goodness, jeweler/silversmith type of guy who is also familiar with pipe side of things.

Such people are almost always male, bearded, grumpy Southerners who defend their property with a salt-loaded shotgun, and have no time for city folk. So good luck there.

It also wouldn't be cheap.

 

[mtwaller]

Repair bands are made of thin metal, are faintly conical, and must be forced on after expanding with heat and then allowed to "shrink" tight. Not something that can be done with meers.

Original bands are thick(ish) ones that are usually parallel sided, and the stummel is carved so the band is a slip fit and is then glued in place.

What you are asking for is retro-fitting a NON repair band. Fashioning one that's dimensionally identical to what's on your pipe now, and then swapping them.

It can be done, but only by a real live, honest-to-goodness, jeweler/silversmith type of guy who is also familiar with pipe side of things.

Such people are almost always male, bearded, grumpy Southerners who defend their property with a salt-loaded shotgun, and have no time for city folk. So good luck there.

It also wouldn't be cheap.

Thank you for the advice! Might just keep it as is, if it’s that big of a pain. The pipe isn’t worth what that would cost

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Sorry, I was at the beach and missed the summons. I can definitely make you a silver band. Ryan Alden would obviously be a good choice also. I am not familiar with the third person is the only reason I can’t recommend.