Metal Fragment In Stem

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

While working away the oxidation on an estate stem, I came across a tiny piece of metal embedded in the material. I've only come across this one other time in the past decade, and was wondering if metal in vulcanite was a contaminant during the manufacturing process or something normal.

mikethompson · Feb 1, 2019

I can't answer your question, but if it has only happened to you once in 10 years, it would suggest it's a manufacturing contaminant. I, on the other hand, thinks it adds character.

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

I, on the other hand, thinks it adds character.

Same. Once it's finished and shined up, it'll make it that much more interesting.

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

This is interesting.

Ebonite contamination was problematic when it was used for electronics. The ebonite was rolled between metal foil sheets, which were peeled off, leaving traces of metal behind. For electronic use the surface was ground to remove metal particles.
-Wikipedia Ebonite

mikethompson · Feb 1, 2019

So your fragment could be part of the foil overwrap? Neat. What pipe was this from Duane?

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

So your fragment could be part of the foil overwrap? Neat. What pipe was this from Duane?

That's my guess. It's from a GBD second my wife picked up as an early birthday present, an Irwin's 9613.

cosmicfolklore · Feb 1, 2019

That pipe stem saved your life! That's a shrapnel fragment, and it could have killed you. Give that pipe a Purple Heart!! : puffy

:

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

Give that pipe a Purple Heart!!

Indeed. :mrgreen:

fluffie666 · Feb 1, 2019

I had and old E. Wilke and noticed something similar on its stem. When I looked closely at it I could see what looked like tiny metal shards and bits of red material embedded into it. Very strange stuff. Great looking pipe btw.

donjgiles · Feb 1, 2019

That grain is beautiful, hard to believe GBD would call that a second, nice score!
Don

crashthegrey · Feb 1, 2019

The image by Duane made this thread.

georged · Feb 1, 2019

Not unusual. Until relatively recently, ebonite/vulcanite rubber manufacture required first grinding it to dust in huge, industrial mortar & pestle type machines which occasionally shed metal chips.

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

Here's a video for Ebonite production for those curious. Look over all of the "umms". :mrgreen:
https://youtu.be/22JY6zjy_ec

mikefu · Feb 1, 2019

You aren’t kidding about the “umm”s. But neat to see, as I didn’t know how it was made. Thanks!

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

Very welcome!

Chasing Embers · Feb 1, 2019

That grain is beautiful, hard to believe GBD would call that a second

Surprised me too. After cleaning the tar off the rim and all the cake out of the chamber, it's a very impressive piece. My wife paid $20 for it makes it that much more so.

mikethompson · Feb 2, 2019

That grain is beautiful, hard to believe GBD would call that a second, nice score!

Even better that it was $20!

ssjones · Feb 2, 2019

I've found various foreign materials in vulacanite stems over the years. I thought it was perhaps because the stem was made with recycled material?

Chasing Embers · Feb 2, 2019

I thought it was perhaps because the stem was made with recycled material?

I had never considered that. That could be part of the case.

Metal Fragment In Stem

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