1930's Linkman's Resto

[danielplainview]

I believe this Linkman's was made before 1937. (Ed your thoughts?) Linkman's weren't stamped pre-smoked until after 1937. I've been wanting one in this shape for a while and so did somebody else on ebay. I probably paid too much for it, but I won the bid. It was in decent shape to be so old. I removed the clear coat and stain then left it in a natural finish. I took it to work with me and started cleaning it up so all I have are the ebay before pictures.
Linkman's Dr Grabow DeLuxe Bruyere 9733

 

[ssjones]

That is a fantastic shape and restoration, I love the beveled bowl top. What a beauty. I don't know anything about Linkmans, so I'll be curious to hear the replies.

 

[papipeguy]

Absolutely stunning, Daniel. that has some very nice bird's eye on it. Well done, sir.

 

[brass]

Well done.

 

[newbroom]

There's a pipe that deserved your special TLC Dan, beautiful! That's a prize!

 

[dulgunz]

excellent work Daniel.. again! :worship:

 

[jackswilling]

Agree, great work as always, and some beautiful briar. Bird's Eye looks great.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Great job Daniel! I like those old Linkman's pipes, even in spite of the goofy stinger they have. Yours is a wonder example and you made it look like new. I'd say you're pretty close on the dating. I have a chunky billiard with the same stampings and I figured it to be early mid-30s ish.

Enjoy smoking it!

 

[voorhees]

Daniel, Beautiful work. I also have a mid 30's Linkman Deluxe in a billiard shape. I don't see any fills on yours, but I have a few on mine. Did you come across any?

 

[wyfbane]

Daniel, that pipe is exquisite! I look for Linkman's on ebay from time to time as well. I find them a great alternative to the 30's Kaywoodies. They are stylish and their stingers aren't as bad on the the draw.
Congratulations on a brilliant resto.

 

[huntertrw]

danielplainview:
What a lovely Linkman! That is a pipe which I would be proud to smoke, especially after your careful ministrations.
I have a Linkman De Luxe Bruyere 9714 apple-shaped billiard of that same vintage, and it is a solid smoker. Its briar features some beautiful flame grain, and only one small fill is apparent.
May this pipe be a good companion to you throughout the years.

 

[buroak]

That should indeed be a pre-1937 Grabow. There are earlier specimens, but I think yours is in the "sweet spot" where Linkman's had figured out a robust threaded tenon system.
Does this pipe have any fills at all? Finding one without fills is not a truly rare feat, but fairly uncommon. Nearly all of my early Grabows have noticeable fills, with some of the fills being very large.

 

[ejames]

That should indeed be a pre-1937 Grabow. There are earlier specimens, but I think yours is in the "sweet spot" where Linkman's had figured out a robust threaded tenon system.

I agree with that statement. The Linkmans made up to the early -mid 40"s are my favorites. This one is a beauty and as you know I find the 33 to be down right sexy!

 

[danielplainview]

This one doesn't have any fills. I don't mind stingers on Grabow pipes. It doesn't hinder the draw like the Kaywoodie system.

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

Wow, what a gem! Excellent work.

 

[smoothsailing]

Beautiful pipe and like wise on the restore .I enjoy seeing your work.

 

[ejames]

Another thing about this pipe-- it is a Deluxe- not exactly at the top of the Linkman Grabow lineup. Cost $1.50 in the late 30's if I remember correctly. The Select Grain was $3.50.

 

[huntertrw]

According to the Inflation Calculator on the westegg.com Website, this De Luxe model pipe which cost $1.50 in 1935 (I'm guessing at the exact year since it was identified above as a pre-1937 model) would have cost $25.54 in 2014 (the most recent year offered by the Calculator). By that same Calculator, the Select Grain model to which ejames referred would have cost $59.60 in 2014.

 

[plateauguy]

That is one nice pipe! You did a great job, it does my heart good to see the old pipes brought back to life.