HPB Pipe: Question on What it is and What to do With it

gmwolford · Sep 9, 2012

I found this HPB among the lot of estate pipes I got. It's unsmoked but has some rough spots on the bowl, as you can see. The screw in stinger/ stem is oxidized but in perfect condition. I can't find any info on HPB and am wondering if fixing it is worth the time and effort? I think I can match the color but I wonder if that fill (the largish one) is going to still be prominent after refinishing it? Thoughts and suggestions appreciated as always.

fnord · Sep 9, 2012

I don't want to sound too Catholic here, but it's a mystery, isn't it?
The birds eye grain is always attractive as are no. 4 sized bowls.
Take it down to the bone, Greg. Strip that chunk of briar to bare wood. Micro mesh as necessary and then do same-same to the stem. (An unsmoked burner from the lot you bought recently on eBay is more than likely heavily oxidized and will require a mother's care.)
We've all seen the lovely job you did on that brilliant Dr. Grabow Canadian so this will be another walk in the park for you. And, unless this pipe is just flat-out butt ugly, then I think you'd best get to work.
Get busy, bud, and remember to send pictures.

gmwolford · Sep 10, 2012

Having a hard time deciding on this one to be honest. It's a nice looking pipe, other than the fills. And the size is a good one, too. I was worried that stripping it and starting over would, as was mentioned, make then more noticeable. But I almost feel challenged to try it now. :wink:

wolfie90 · Sep 10, 2012

Youd better not striP my pipe lol

pstlpkr · Sep 10, 2012

Looks like it might have the makings of a good beater pipe.

: puffy

:

gmwolford · Sep 11, 2012

Yes, if nothing else it will, Lawrence.
They photos were originally to show the scratches. But there is one longish fill That I didn't originally notice and it's what I thought would maybe be accentuated by refinishing it. Anyway, it's going to get the re-do just to see his it goes, though I may forgo the stem initially until I see how the briar looks. The stem is oxidized but not heavily and not a tooth mark nor bit if of chatter on it either. So, you've seen the before: Stay tuned for the after! LOL

schmitzbitz · Sep 11, 2012

Greg; it might be a good chance to play around with fills of your own. If it were me, I would pick out those unsightly pink gobs of putty, and mix up some briar dust and epoxy to replace them. It won't be perfect, but it should look a far cry better than at present.

And hey - if you're still not pleased with the appearance, you could always try your hand at rusticating!

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HPB Pipe: Question on What it is and What to do With it

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