3 Vintage British Pipes

[klause]

Pipe #1 (top):
This pipe had been abused to within an inch of its life. Bowl completely caked, stem clogged with thick tar. Shank so crusted up that the military stem didn't go in properly, and the silver mount had completely come away. The bowl rim was charred like nothing I've seen before.
Sadly, the rim is uneven, but I kinda like it. The stem is now spotless and slots back into the shank perfectly. The shank is completely cleared and has a conical shape that accommodates the stem - who'd of thunk????
The bowl is reamed to bare wood, and externally I can now see grain, a couple of fills, and masses of battle scars - before, it was just black from grime. It still needs more wax, but I'll let what's there settle for now. In time it should come back to life.
The silver marks are illegible, unfortunately.....but, this is defo pre-1920's. It has the gorgeous round (orlorific) draft hole.
The previous owner loved this old workhorse, but didn't tend to it. Hopefully, now, it's good for a few more years - I adore this pipe - I love it's flaws, it's scars. This is going to be a pleasure to smoke, hold and contemplate.
Pipe #2 (middle):
This was well cared for by its original owner. It just needed a good clean, minor ream, shank scrub (quite funky), and a thorough stem job. Under the tar, and grime, was a perfect rim, that is immaculate.
It was made in 1920 by Reuben Jordan of London. The silver work on this one is solid, elegant simplicity.
The stem has a bone/Ivory stinger type contraption that I've never come across before - it's very unusual. Still, it doesn't impede the draw or a cleaner.
Beautiful pipe, with no flaws, or scars. It will serve me well, no doubt.
Pipe #3 (bottom):
There's something strange going on here. When I picked this pipe up, it demanded I pay it attention, and it sent electricity coursing through me. This pipe literally makes my heart flutter - I don't know what it is. But this pipe is staggering, simply staggering.
The grain, on old pipes usually not a consideration, is virtually straight all round, and crystal clear - like it is alive, pulsing, demanding you lose yourself in it. The colour is breath taking in its clarity and depth. The stem is perfection - utter perfection, with that sublime round draft hole. The silver work (not a fan of the fancy stuff) is superb quality, far from gaudy, and exuding solidity and grace. The bowl is perfect, with only minor rim darkening - absolutely minimal.
It needed a good clean, but for all its 111 years it's to be expected. Date stamp is Chester 1903 - There's noting on the briar, but marks on silver are for William. H. Carrington. (This is one of the joys of the silver mounted pipes - you can find out so much. However, the frustration that can result when the stamps are rubbed to near extinction is quite overwhelming - hugely disappointing.)
The shank was blocked, and the stem bunged with tar, but otherwise it had been treated very gently. This was a lady of stunning, unusual, unearthly beauty, that was worshipped, and adored, treated with a softness and tenderness befitting her ethereal grace.
This pipe radiates from deep within, illuminating my heart and soul. I think only the most delicate of Virginias will be appropriate for this lady - the soft, subtle nuances of flavour and aroma, on sweet, sweet smoke, to linger over, savour, and lose myself in.......

 

[dryseason91]

Pipes with real antique character, and a great resurrection job and write-up, Klause. I love the silver work on the third one, have never seen a band like that before.

 

[cortezattic]

It's easy to see why these pipes evoke such effusive expressions of admiration. Nice write-up and pix. :clap:
(I assume that by "pioes", you meant "pipes". But what does "orlorific" mean?)

 

[klause]

Thanks for the comments, Gents - I appreciate it.
Yep! Cortez, I meant 'Pipes' - damn iPad !!!! Didn't notice until you pointed it out. (Can a mod sort it out, please?)
Orlorific, or, Orific, as it should be spelt refers to the shape of the draft hole - perfectly round, Misterlowercase pointed out the correct term in another thread.

 

[johnnyreb]

I agree with your sentiments on #3, and I love the size of #1. Great job on all 3 pipes!

 

[ssjones]

Title fixed!
Lets see a shot of the tenons and that unusual stinger, please!

 

[andystewart]

Now THAT has made my Sunday afternoon! They are beautiful pipes Klause and you've done a great job restoring them and writing them up. It blows my mind that we can enjoy a close relationship with something that has seen one of the seminal centuries in the history of mankind. The men who made and first bought those pipes probably died before we were born. Most of their life experiences and expectations were totally different to ours, yet you have a direct, personal link to them - something they would instantly recognise were they to meet you today. Fantastic!
Andy

 

[papipeguy]

Those are wonderful and you did a fine job of bringing them back to life. Thanks for sharing this bit of history with us.

 

[klause]

Thanks for the fix, Al - I appreciate it.
Pic, as requested:

Johnnyreb, papipeguy, thanks very much.
Andy, you have put your finger on it perfectly - cheers, mate.

 

[torque]

Excellent work on giving these antiques the care they deserve and I agree, the stem adornment on #3 is elegantly done. Very beautiful.

 

[crazypipe]

Fine looking pipes ::

 

[tbradsim1]

Like you Klu I was drawn to #3, maybe it's because I like bigger pipes, great find, the old saying if they could talk, it would be quite a story.

 

[sallow]

I can see why the top one was someone's favorite pipe, it looks very comfortable. All three will do well to have you as caretaker. Nice job.

 

[ssjones]

Those tenons are fascinating!

 

[sablebrush52]

Congratulations on these beautiful pipes. They display a mellowness that only comes from time and use. Your restoration work is truly excellent! In a way, you've covered some important design and engineering changes with these few examples. The Carrington is a fine exemplar of the Victorian era, with it's articulated engraved silverwork and bone screw-in tenon. Pipe #1, with its simpler sterling work and friction tenon represent the modern era, and could be anywhen from the Edwardian era thru the 1920's as orific bits remained in common use until late in that decade. Pipe #2 is very interesting because it represents this period of change during which pipemakers were embracing new methods while trying to figure out what older practices should be retained. That bone stinger looked mighty familiar to me and then I realized that I'd seen something similar on my 1896 Barling. But in the case of the Barling the bone is threaded at the base to work as the screw-in tenon while extending into the airway. By 1920 screw-in tenons were pretty much passé, having been replaced by push tenons. But with this Reuben Jordan, the bone stinger is retained to work as a condenser though no longer functioning also as a screw-in tenon. The first two decades of the last century were a period of experimentation. Really interesting group. Thanks so much for sharing these. Enjoy them in the best of health.

 

[klause]

Wow! Sablebrush, that's fantastic - thanks very much for the comments and information - brilliant.
That just adds a whole new dimension to the pipes, and actually makes this an even more special little trio.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge, I really do appreciate it, and it's always good to learn something new. :D

 

[rangerearthpig]

As everyone has said, number 3 is breathtaking. All are beauties, but that last one....wow. :clap:

 

[tobyducote]

Wow those are beautiful

 

[agnosticpipe]

I have never seen pipes like those! They are not only beautiful, but historically interesting also. Thanks for sharing the pics, and all the info you and others have posted.

 

[tuold]

Most impressive! Besides a labor of love on your part I'd say you've done an act of public service by restoring these beauties to use and posterity. I love seeing posts like this.