How do I tell if the stem is original or a replacement. I’m sure proper fit and even white dot could be replicated.
Birth year Dunhills?
- Thread starter Kspipe
- Start date
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Yes, they can and often are replaced. On pipes that are decades old and show that they’ve been regularly smoked, it would be unusual not to find a replaced stem, in my opinion.
Reputable sellers, if knowledgeable should state so.
A 1968 Dunhill 105 F/T Shell briar 1S. With replacement stem I think 
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If you can tell that a stem is a replacement, it is not, by definition, a replica. It's an approximation.
It is definitely possible to create a true replica replacement, but it is rarely done. (And when it is done, no one can tell, which creates a dog-chasing-it's-tail sort of situation)
Spotting a replacement is easy with experience, but difficult otherwise. Your best bet if curious about a pipe yourself is to post pics on this board.
My 67 billiard. It came with a dental bit, which I hated. A little work with some fine sanding fixed it. I realize that might be a bit sacrilegious, but I decided it's my pipe, why not. It's not in my regular rotation, but I like it a lot and is a great smoker
Hmmm. I know this guy on a pipe forum who made a new stem for my 1926 Dunhill Bruyere.
The only way I could tell the difference between the two was the chip in the bit of the original (If it was an original) stem.
Georged could probably tell the difference but then, he did the work.
The pipe that started this discussion arrived this morning. Seems to be in better condition than expected from the pics on eBay. It’ll be smoked soon and hopefully enjoyed for years to come.
My 1st birth-year Dunhill was a 1961 120 Shell. Great pipe, but outside of my size perference.
Then, I found this 1961 Shell shape 56, which is significantly smaller.
Then, I found this 1961 Shell shape 56, which is significantly smaller.
Man, that is really a nice looking one, too.....
CA patches on rubber don't hold up well, and the guy doesn't know how to restore a hammered rim, but the "base pipe" is definitely a desirable shape in a rare year (and the nomenclature looks sharp and complete).
My newly acquired Shell Briar Billiard has an indistinct date code. I'm leaning toward 7, but there's a huge element of wishful thinking as it would be a birth year example. I'll throw the question open. It was sold as "probably 1950s".
Could be a 0 though.
Could be a 0 though.
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