Antique pipes

[themanny82]

I have a couple of antique pipes in my collection that I've never used due to the fact I don't know how to clean them up. What is the best way to do so that they will be smokeable once more? oddly enough, they both have metal stingers in them as well. What are some thoughts on stingers? Good? No?

 

[condorlover1]

What are stingers?

 

[tuold]

Stingers are metal tubes of varying shapes mounted onto the stem and extending into the shank that serve to cool and filter the smoke of tobacco particles and moisture and keep those things from getting into your mouth.
There's a thread or two about them on this board and most people seem to pull them out or cut them off because they are difficult to clean. Personally, I find them useful. Plus I like to keep my estate pipes in "stock" condition as much as possible. That's the "collector" in me, I suppose. The stinger configuration is one important way of dating estate pipes.

 

[condorlover1]

Now I know what you are talking about. The little tube thingy normally cut at a sharp right angle to resemble some form of secret weapon. I think the other one resembles a small ball on a stick. I had a couple of pipes like that circa 1983 but I soon cured them with a small hacksaw. Please don't tell me these have now become the collectable de jour.

 

[sablebrush52]

@ Condor - Holy crap! You gelded a Kaywoodie?
Regarding the stems, You didn't mention the brands. Some stingers are removable, if yours are not then inserting an alcohol soaked pipe cleaner, and letting that sit in the airway for an hour before beginning to scrub, will do a lot to soften up the residue. I repeat scrubbing with as many pipe cleaners as needed until the airway, including the opening in the stinger, is completely clear. It also helps to insert the soaked pipe cleaner into the stem via the opening in the stinger if it isn't completely plugged. A paper clip is an excellent way to open up a plugged stinger.

 

[themanny82]

what about cleaning the bowl? can I just use it as is? or do I need to do anything to it before I use it? I'm curious about that as well.

 

[danielplainview]

stingers depends on the pipe. some smoke better with them. some without. try it with the stinger first. if don't like the draw, then remove it. as far as cleaning the bowl,remove the cake. be careful not to cut into the wood. if you taste the ghosts of an unpleasant tobacco, you can try pipe sweetener. if that doesn't work, you may need to try the salt and alcohol treatment. watch a how to video on youtube before attempting! alcohol will remove the finish/stain if it gets on the outside of the pipe.