1952 Dunhill Tanshell Poker - Info needed

[cwp79]

Hi,

I recently picked up a 1952 Dunhill Tanshell poker shape. When the pipe arrived I was surprised to see that the bowl and shank appear to be two pieces adhered together. There is a distinct line around the bottom of the shank near where it enters the bowl. I was freaking out a bit thinking that it was a repair until I found a video on You Tube (below) which shows a similar pipe with the same line around the shank. Has anybody seen this before or know why they made it that way? I have seen other Tanshell pokers from the same era that are totally shank-less where a long stem fits directly into the bowl. Maybe they made all of the bowls the same and then inserted a shank into some of the models? Here are some photos: pipe, shank 1, shank 2, markings. Anybody have an idea what this might be worth after a full restoration? Thanks!

Video

 

[uberam3rica]

I don't know anything about Dunhills, so I can't help you, but that is an awesome pipe

 

[bentmike]

I'm with Uber on that. It would be interesting to know the story with it. Cool Dunhill with an awesome sandblast in any case.

 

[ohin3]

Can't give you any info but I have to agree with the previous posters that that is a beautiful Dunhill.

 

[markw4mms]

I also have no info for you, but that is a sweet pipe, congrats!

 

[ssjones]

I'm no Duhill expert and would love to hear from someone who is on that stem. Perhaps it was a repair of sort? You might want to check in over on the SmokersForums, there are a number of Dunhill experts on that board (Streets of London social group) I'm a member there, and will check for you.

 

[nobail]

I'm not an expert but check out Dunhill Dating Guide for help in dating the pipe. I have that model (6475) made in 1956 that I bought for my one and only Dunhill for my birth pipe.

I think that pipe must have been repaired, is there a metal insert within the stem, perhaps down inside where it would be difficult to see? I have no idea as to value once restored.

 

[bigvan]

The metal insert is NOT a sign of repair; it's an "inner tube" that Dunhill markets as providing a "cooler smoke". Most just remove it.

 

[nobail]

When you say inner tube, is that different than a stinger?

The stinger is attached to the bit, while the inner tube is in the stem?

 

[bigvan]

The inner tube is just a hollow tube within the draft chamber. It's not attached at all, just remove the bit and slide out the inner tube.

 

[nobail]

Yes, I see what you are writing now. I'm suggesting that the OP look into the shank to see if a hollow tube was used to support a repair, glued in the shank, not a inner tube. I've not seen such a line as his on any 6475 that I looked at, and that is why I suggested looking for a repair tube, NOT an inner tube.

 

[cwp79]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm out of town for the weekend but will check out the inside of the shank on tuesday. I'll be asking for a refund if it's a repair.

 

[steyrshrek]

It looks like repair can't see why anyone would put a joint there while making a pipe. Cool looking pipe but they should have been upfront about the repair as that definitely lowers the value.

 

[dukdalf]

This reminds me of one of mine:

.

This shape is called a cherrywood. A while ago I did some googling on this nomenclature and if I remember correctly the name stems from a traditional (i.e. centuries old) type of pipe which was constructed out of two pieces of wood, one (or both?) of them cherry in the way you describe: the stem was inserted into the bowl in a similar manner as on your Dunhill, or on a corncob if you like. After looking at your pics I doubt the seam on your shank lives up to the standards of finishing a job they usually adhere to at Dunhill's...