Bought an Old LHS Sterncrest

[Stats Mann]

Greetings! I recently purchased my first "nice" pipe, an old LHS Sterncrest. I noticed a couple of issues right off the bat, the first one being the hole in the stem. The second being the missing ring on the pipe, and you can see the marks where it had been. I was wondering if anyone knew where I would even start looking for replacement parts for the missing ones, and how I should go about repairing this. Thank you!

 

[Briarcutter]

If the nomenclature on the pipe identifies the band material, it looks like someone robbed your pipe for the gold. You need a new mouthpiece and as long as the shank isn't cracked it will smoke fine without the band. You'll have to send it out to a professional to have the stem replaced. Or, do it yourself. Not something you can just buy a replacement for and just pop on a new stem.

 

[telescopes]

If the nomenclature on the pipe identifies the band material, it looks like someone robbed your pipe for the gold. You need a new mouthpiece and as long as the shank isn't cracked it will smoke fine without the band. You'll have to send it out to a professional to have the stem replaced. Or, do it yourself. Not something you can just buy a replacement for and just pop on a new stem.

Agreed, someone ran off with the band. I definitely would be replacing the stem and adding a band.

 

[OzPiper]

If you are looking at DIY, Steve Laug’s Rebornpipes is a great source of information

If you are looking at getting a replacement stem made, reach out to member @RustiePyles CPG

 

[Stats Mann]

If the nomenclature on the pipe identifies the band material, it looks like someone robbed your pipe for the gold. You need a new mouthpiece and as long as the shank isn't cracked it will smoke fine without the band. You'll have to send it out to a professional to have the stem replaced. Or, do it yourself. Not something you can just buy a replacement for and just pop on a new stem.

I have no clue where I should start looking for a repair shop, but thank you for the advice and insight! A real shame someone took the band for the gold, it can't be worth more than $10.

 

[Briarcutter]

I have no clue where I should start looking for a repair shop, but thank you for the advice and insight! A real shame someone took the band for the gold, it can't be worth more than $10.

I don't but I'm sure someone knows where you could send it. Someone here would surely know if you inquire or do a search.

 

[xrundog]

Put it away and watch eBay for one that’s in good shape. You’ll save money. Really.

 

[Briarcutter]

Put it away and watch eBay for one that’s in good shape. You’ll save money. Really.

This is probably your best solution.

 

[Sig]

This will sound odd, but it's true.
Years ago I had a pipe with a hole like that on the bottom.
I used an old Missouri Meerschaum stem, melted it in a tin and filled the hole with the melted plastic.
I used a doubled over pipe cleaner put into the stem to keep the melted plastic from going in the stem.
Then I sanded, buffed and waxed it.
Ive been smoking the pipe sinse.
I will post a picture when I can. You literally cannot tell there was a hole. It just looks like a slightly different color. I did it as an "experiment", but it worked so good I have smoked it for 15+ years.

 

[FurCoat]

I don't know if he's still making bands, but @cosmicfolklore would be my go to for a replacement band.

 

[FurCoat]

My one and only LHS Sterncrest. Great pipe.

 

[Joe H]

It would be a shame for a cool old pipe to end its smoking life due to minor cosmetic issues. Your pipe would smoke just fine as is after a clean-up. I have one old Kaywoodie that has an almost identical hole my dad chewed in over 50 years ago - it smokes just fine, but I might try the melted plastic trick Sig described above. As for the band, a jeweler could replace it for you, but if you are handy, you'd be surprised what might be a suitable replacement.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Put it away and watch eBay for one that’s in good shape. You’ll save money. Really.

That's a plan!

In the mean time, you can tape over the holes, or use a softie bit. Or learn to smoke it as is. I have a beater Dunhill that has a good size hole near the bit, and it's not as bad as it sounds!

 

[Sobrbiker]

If you are looking at getting a replacement stem made, reach out to member @RustiePyles CPG

I second that, but he’s been pretty scarce lately, hopefully just busy redoing his castle.
He’s got a little p-lip replacement of mine in the works, waiting patiently (he said it would be a while right up front).

 

[OzPiper]

That's a plan!

In the mean time, you can tape over the holes, or use a softie bit.

^^^^^
Cheapest solution