I have a question for pipe makers and repairers: Is it possible to re-cut an existing vulcanite stem? I recently sent in a pipe stem to have the tenon replaced. I dropped it, and the tenon snapped off in the mortise. When my stem was repaired and sent back, I noticed it looked completely different; new bit and new button, but still vulcanite. When I called to inquire, the repair man couldn't remember my pipe exactly, but insisted that if he made a new stem he would have returned the original. My receipt only indicates a tenon repair, not a stem replacement. I didn't get far with this fellow (he wasn't all that helpful), so I decided to get y'all's thoughts. I'm curious because the pipe is a Stanwell handmade from the sixties. The stem was original too with the Stanwell "S" stamp. The stamp is no longer there. It was a shallow stamp to begin with, which could have been buffed out during repair. I'd like to know if it's possible that I still have my original stem, just reshaped.
Thanks,
Sam
Thanks,
Sam