Restoration Questions Re/ Odd BBB Pipe (PICS)

I just got this little BBB pipe from an ebay auction, and I couldn't really see the stampings very well from the pics posted. After looking online I still don't know anything about this pipe. The nomenclature is very faint, and is partly covered by the repair band. It looks like it's TUBU, or maybe an O. Anything like a shape number must be covered by the band. The shank looks like it was cracked in at least 2 places maybe more, so someone must have loved this pipe a lot to try to have it repaired. I figure the stem is a replacement stem although it has a long tubular stinger that goes up to the bowl like I've seen on other BBB pipes. The pipe measures about 5.5 inches long, and the bowl opening is quite narrow at about 5/8 inch.

Ok, so here's the question: I would like to restore it to some degree, but I thought I'd ask some of you more experienced restorers, how would you handle the top of the bowl? As you can see, it's badly worn, and chipped. I'm sure the top was even at one time, but I kind of like general shape now with it higher on the front and back. I don't think the pipe has much value, but I don't know if I should keep as much briar at the top as I can, or just top the whole bowl so it's even.

Any suggestions about what would be best for the pipe?

Also if any BBB collectors out there have any info on this weird little pipe, it would be appreciated.

Yeah klaus, I thought about that too. It would be the easiest thing to do, because it mostly just needs cleaning on the inside, and a little buffing and waxing on the outside, and I'm there.

I just wanted to see if anyone would do extensive work on it or not. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

misterlowercase, thanks for all the info. That's far more than I found out. Those pipes pictured weren't actually made to smoke cigars in were they? I imagine you could, but why? I think it'll make a nice little flake pipe for short smokes. Reallly looks like an interesting book though! Just might have to get one.
I also do believe that neither of my first choices is the right one now. I'll just clean it up as is, and post some pics when it's done.
Thanks all.... ::

Wow! misterlowercase, you really outdid yourself! Wonderful pics of how these little pipes were actually used sometimes. Thanks for all the info and feedback from all.
I'm posting a few pics to show what I did to clean up the pipe, which wasn't all that much. Just a little touch up on the top of the bowl, some light polishing and waxing. I do think that it had been used most recently as a pipe tobacco smoker though. The bowl smelled of pipe tobacco, and had a small amount of cake inside, and even a few flakes of tobacco in the bottom. But as you can see, a corona size cigar fits nicely in the bowl. I'm not gonna do it though, flake tobacco only I think.

I've got small 1750 rpm motor with a tapered spiral adapter on the shaft so I can use a multiple choice of 4 inch or 6 inch wheels on it just by spinning them on and off. I first used some fine grit micro mesh pads, and then a light touch up with some tripoli, follow by some white diamond and carnauba wax. It's a simple set up that I've used for over 25 years. Keeps on working so I keep on using it. Looking forward to smoking it tonight.

Thanks guys! I like these small simple inexpensive pleasures.

Thanks again for all the positive feedback guys! I'm glad I listened to you about leaving the top of the bowl pretty much as is. I'm very happy with the outcome. Something to remember going forward with future estate pipes, consider what you're working with. Nicer historic pipes deserve a little thought before you start messing with them.

A cheap basket pipe I would still probably just have topped the bowl.
And torque, it seems to have a normal pipe bowl, one that tapers down slightly towards the bottom. The cigar in it is a 43 ring size and it's a nice snug fit. It might fit a smaller cigar, but not a larger one. Honestly, it just looks funny with a cigar in it, but it might have looked normal at one time if this was a popular thing to do. :crazy: