Who Would Do This To A pipe?

I was recently given a pipe found by my grandmother she found for $2. She thought it was pretty, and I could have it just to have. "The Tinderbox Meerschaum Lined - 210 - and Italy," on the stem. The grain is very nice to me. Though...I have no idea what to do with it. Looks like they tried to remove the meerschaum lining. It has cracks in the side of the liner, in the bottom, and a lot is gone from the top. The Briar has chunks from it, a hairline crack, and I can't figure out why there is (what looks like a saw cut) right at the end of the shank face. Shame that such a nice pipe has been wrecked. Is there hope? Can anything be done with the meer lining? Can it be removed despite the thin briar? Every time I really look at it...all I think is...the previous owner needs a backhand. Here's some pictures I want to share, looking for opinions.
(Edited title, please see rule number 9.

Thank you, Robert.)

That meer lining is cracked up, and missing about 1/8in of the top. I don't even see how you can crack one that much. Possible to remove the lining completely? Or will the thin walls, and briar underneath just ruin it more so. Doubt I'll attempt this on my own though.

Have already talked about it actually. Would love to have it, but it needs help I can't give. Trying to be involved in the Free Pipe Project, though a little awkward being on both sides right now. I appreciate the info on this by the way. Now if you can track down the previous owner, we need to talk to him.

jpmcwjr - I typed all of the info at the top. Unfortunately I have had to go to an old phone for now and the camera isn't very good. I just took the pictures and began to rant when I picked the pipe up....You know...no one has cameras anymore, just phones...and memorizing a number....unheard of. I wonder how many kids know what an Encyclopedia is? Ah...the rants I can get into right now

So...guess what. I finished what was started. I removed the meer lining the rest of the way, sanded down the bowl, filled the chips, the big hole, the crack, and the saw mark. I polished up the stem, cleaned up the glue left in the bowl from the lining (which was no easy task...that stuff is serious) cleaned everything up....then...pipe mud in the bowl since it's thin and there was a small chip out inside the chamber. Whether it be from me removing the lining or prior I'm not sure. I will note that I was very delicate in the removal....Was a good learning project for me...a little experience to add to it. I will be smoking it this weekend...maybe.... I am going to leave it unfinished, not going to stain it, and will smoke as is. I had considered a gold band....but wasn't working out. Maybe in the future I will band the crack, and stain/wax the pipe...but for now...I will just be happy to see if I pulled off making this thing smokeable.
I used only what I had on hand. Scotch Brite, a little sandpaper...though mainly 400 grit, and 150 of...something grit, Magic Eraser, Alcohol, Pipe Cleaners, Knife, toothpaste, an old cotton shirt, krazy glue, and gorilla glue for the big hole...but well...I don't recommend it as it's a lot of work when it bubbles with the briar dust. You have to stay with it for a while or it will not work out. Though it is incredibly strong. Basic household stuff, it works...for now. Once I get my tobacco products back up, then I can finish getting resto supplies. But this will do for now! Sorry about the rant if you read this far.


This was the gorilla glue Basically...mixed in with briar dust...it bubbles, for a long time....so I had to constantly stir it in order to keep it ok....while it turned out ok here...it may not be the best idea. I ended up sanding it down and it turned out really well. Better hold that superglue, I believe it would take a drill to go in it.

After

Can't wait to test it out. It was fun to play with. I'll thank the previous owner...gave me a challenge. I don't know why I got all bent out of shape when I originally posted this. If it was ever nice/not dark when I'm working on them....maybe I could get better pictures. Hopefully these will do. Wish me luck on it smoking well!

Thanks. If I had some SPS Breckinridge....I believe that's it's destiny with the large chamber. Will wait until I order more, until then. The usual Admiral's Choice Vanilla Cavendish.

You really worked hard on it.

Click to expand...

This could be debated.
stvalentine I'll take the latter as I do not have stain, and am not at that point yet. I kind of want to leave it as is....just...show off the hell it went through. Maybe down the road I'll stain it.
Thanks for the comments.
Oh and beastinview welcome to the forums!