Estate Pipes, Cleaning and Maintaining a Pipe and Questions

[Rigidman]

Ok so this is what I've learned. I need more pipes. Since most my pipes are new, I'm switching them to single tobacco brands. My most expensive pipe was $80. That was like a special gift to my self. I have a couple at $50, but the rest are around the $20-$40 range, including shipping.

Now I've been looking at estate pipes and eBay briar pipe dealers. There are a lot of "other wood" pipes on eBay. Rose wood, pear wood, hard woods, etc. I know enough to stay away from these.

I've been asking for pictures of bowls and tenons. If the stem isn't shown well, I ask for pictures of it as well. I've done a lot of research. Still have a lot more to do.

From what I've seen, some sellers are losing money by simply not cleaning their pipes. I'm far from an expert, but from researching some of the brands, they would've most likely sold for a higher price if they simply cleaned the pipe.

There were some meershaum lined pipes that you couldn't tell it was lined because the cake was so thick. As far as I know, you're not supposed to let meershsaum develop cake. Not sure if this applies to lined pipes. As far as I knew the meershaum could be damaged.

I've also researched cleaning or retorting pipes. I bought the pieces I needed for this. Less than $20 shipped from eBay and Amazon. Couldn't find a kit to buy in the U.S. found one in the U.K for £13 plus shipping. So nearly $30.

I got the retort stuff in case some of my pipes have heavy ghosting. I also have a nice 107 barrel proof 8y.o. bourbon I'll be using to finish the process. Since I'm also looking into buying eBay estate pipes, I figured, especially now, it'd be wise to clean them. I've also been researching pipe services. Any advice here would be very welcomed.

I have an extensive mechanical ability and knowledge, so if I have the tools/items needed to clean a pipe or maintain it, I will, or if its inexpensive. In some cases I'm not going to have what I need and the investment may be more than I can do at this time. Then there is simple lack of knowledge and experience. If I get more into restoring or flipping pipes, I may make the investment.

So for now a service will have to do. Any advice websites or members that provide this service, I'd appreciate some info on pricing or a webpage with pricing.

I should mention I'm looking into a pipe wipe unless just a cut up t-shirt and some wax or mineral oil will suffice. Info on what materials are required for maintenance would be greatly appreciated. From my research this seems to be a personal preference. I do know that I need a wax and something to preserve the stem. I'm looking for the least expensive and the most simple.

I feel I should mention that I have no "nose oil". When I was a teenager I never suffered from acne or skin issues. My dad is half Cherokee. His mom is full Cherokee My mom is 1/4 Blackfoot. My friends hated me because some of them had severe acne.

Anyway, whatever info I can get from above would be appreciated. I've found some of the books mentioned in older posts. Some are out of my price range. Hopefully the local library can help. But since the evil devil tobacco is bad for you, my expectations are low.

I know I've gone on a bit and have asked for a lot of info, I do appreciate your time and efforts.

Thank you in advance for all your help, advice, and time.

 

[Rigidman]

Not sure if 107 proof is strong enough. Guess I'll find out. If my well aged scotch selection was a bit higher I could use it, but then it probably wouldn't taste as good.

Wanted to mention I have some Nu Finish. Not sure if its still available. Haven't checked yet. But I wss wondering if anyone used something like this to polish stems? Works great on CDs, DVDs, and game discs. Oh it works on oxidized vehicle paint too.

Thanks

 

[Waning Embers]

I have an extensive mechanical ability and knowledge, so if I have the tools/items needed to clean a pipe or maintain it, I will

All that was used here were alcohol, a Case knife, pipe cleaners, a lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste.

 

[Jwebb90]

I highly recommend you do a deep dive at rebornpipes.com. The site is a treasure trove of helpful pipe restoration information. Also, when it comes to finding pipes I would encourage you search out local antique shops. I have been quite fortunate with many of my finds.

 

[pappymac]

You don't necessarily have to count out pear root pipes. While they do get hotter than briar, they are relatively inexpensive and will last a long time if you treat them right. That being said, my only experience with pear root pipes are the three Mr. Brog pipes I own.

 

[02Knight]

Following this thread closely because I also have some Estate Pipes, that could use some restoration. Would be interesting to find out how it goes.

 

[mikethompson]

Check out rebornpipes.com, some threads on here, or just do what I did and message @ssjones and @donjgiles . Post up your progress of course.

 

[craig61a]

Just go slow and check out some of the sites mentioned above.

Restoring old pipes and reselling them isn’t necessarily the gold rush opportunity some people seem to think it is.

The restoration fad has become quite popular in the last few years. There’s even a Facebook group. I’ve seen a lot of estates ruined because somebody decided that they were going to charge blindly into the hobby because there was money to be made.

If your going to buy and restore estates, do it for yourself. You can pick up some nice stuff on the cheap that way.

Once you have developed some skills and find that you have pipes that you don’t smoke or appreciate then you can sell them off.

It’s not rocket surgery to restore pipes. But take your time and learn. Buy some junky no name pipes and practice on those. It does take some time to master the skills involved. You’ll have the satisfaction of having some nice pipes.

 

[FurCoat]

All that was used here were alcohol, a Case knife, pipe cleaners, a lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste.

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How did you get the color back on the briar? Awesome job by the way.

 

[Waning Embers]

How did you get the color back on the briar? Awesome job by the way.

Thanks! I just cleaned them with a wet paper towel.

Same thing here.

 

[FurCoat]

Once you get started on restoring pipes, you'll never stop. PRD pipe restoration disorder

 

[Waning Embers]

Once you get started on restoring pipes, you'll never stop. PRD pipe restoration disorder

Like pipe making, it was fun for a few years, but has since dwindled.

 

[BROBS]

Like pipe making, it was fun for a few years, but has since dwindled.

It gets old. Just like working on cars. Fun for a while....

 

[Waning Embers]

It gets old. Just like working on cars. Fun for a while....

Yep

 

[ChuckMijo]

Restoring pipes is a lot of fun. I never did it to sell them though. I just fixed them up enough for my liking. You can push it as far as you like. My idea of restoring a pipe maybe different then yours. Just learn the basics. I like older GBD, Sasieni, Butz Choquin pipes. Find what pipes you like and have at it. I’m not sure why but I find the stem on older pipes more comfortable. It’s not the material as much as how they shaped them. It’s just a observation I made . Others may disagree.

 

[Rigidman]

I highly recommend you do a deep dive at rebornpipes.com. The site is a treasure trove of helpful pipe restoration information. Also, when it comes to finding pipes I would encourage you search out local antique shops. I have been quite fortunate with many of my finds.

Thanks. I was reading old posts and you d that website. Only reason I'd want to do the retort is because of vivid. Don't want to take any chances.

 

[Rigidman]

All that was used here were alcohol, a Case knife, pipe cleaners, a lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste.

View attachment 47959

View attachment 47960

Thanks for the advice. They look sweet.

 

[Rigidman]

You don't necessarily have to count out pear root pipes. While they do get hotter than briar, they are relatively inexpensive and will last a long time if you treat them right. That being said, my only experience with pear root pipes are the three Mr. Brog pipes I own.

I had one crack after 3 pipe bulls. I guess that has slot to do with quality and the pipe makers knowledge and scruples.

 

[Rigidman]

Check out rebornpipes.com, some threads on here, or just do what I did and message @ssjones and @donjgiles . Post up your progress of course.

I'll do that. Been looking at eBay and I wanted to get some nice estates. My thinking is, if I'm careful, I might find a couple gems after they're cleaned, possibly restored. I've done some simple woodworking and refinishing. From my research it seems simple enough.. Even learned about salt treatments. Figured I'd just get what I like and go from there. Later if I choose, I can sell it. Maybe save up to get a sweet art pipe.

 

[Rigidman]

Just go slow and check out some of the sites mentioned above.

Restoring old pipes and reselling them isn’t necessarily the gold rush opportunity some people seem to think it is.

The restoration fad has become quite popular in the last few years. There’s even a Facebook group. I’ve seen a lot of estates ruined because somebody decided that they were going to charge blindly into the hobby because there was money to be made.

If your going to buy and restore estates, do it for yourself. You can pick up some nice stuff on the cheap that way.

Once you have developed some skills and find that you have pipes that you don’t smoke or appreciate then you can sell them off.

It’s not rocket surgery to restore pipes. But take your time and learn. Buy some junky no name pipes and practice on those. It does take some time to master the skills involved. You’ll have the satisfaction of having some nice pipes.

Thanks. That's what I finally decided to do. Just get what I like, maybe a couple lots. Then resell what I don't want. Maybe make just enough to buy my sweet dream pipe.