Bulldog Bead Line and Rim Repair

[danielplainview]

I ran across this LHS Sterncrest 14K with the original box. I'm a sucker for squat bulldogs, silver/gold bands, and LHS pipes so this was the perfect storm. The bead line had some chunks missing and the rim was charred and scared. The stem face has some wear and will be replace eventually. Maybe cumberland?

I started off by beveling the rim. This is a good way to find fresh briar and sharpen the worn edges without loosing any height or proportion of the original design. Next, I patched the missing pieces of the bead line with virgin briar dust. It's nice to have pipe maker friends. Briar shavings from a used pipe will work for patches but fresh briar shavings will except a stain and make easier to blend in.

This 14K is shape number 88. I have a few other LHS 88's but this is a much larger size. It is comparable to the size difference of a standard size Savinelli and an EX.

 

[scrooge]

Holy Smokes! Forgive the pun being it's sunday. That's a real beauty Dave. GREAT JOB My Friend. I'm not seeing any stem damage though. You the man. Your getting closer to that 365 rotation. ! LOL! :mrgreen:

 

[pagan]

Beautiful work

 

[peckinpahhombre]

That is just impressive. I was blown away. The pipe looks like new.

 

[ssjones]

Masterful work!
I'm rather liking the stem, but I can see the appeal of a modern Cumberland stem for use.

 

[ssjones]

And, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I love the use of virgin briar dust!

 

[papipeguy]

Beautiful work. What type of glue did you mix the briar shavings with?

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

Nice job, nice pipe, and thanks for the pics.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Fantastic job! That pipe is a beauty, and you've done an outstanding job.

 

[jeepnewbie]

Amazing work, how did you counter sink the inside of the rim? And I second the question about the type of glue.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Oh whoa!! Better and better. Thnksn also for illosrtafion. Er, illustrations.

 

[ejames]

Beautiful Dave ! I think you and that Piffy guy could probably qualify for Bloomington Gold if they had a class for pipes.

 

[agnosticpipe]

That's a real beauty Dave! Great save with wonderful results. :clap:

 

[dottiewarden]

Awesome resto work. She's a beauty!

 

[philobeddoe]

Beautiful work Dave.

 

[danielplainview]

Thanks everyone.
@ Jeep

I used thick viscosity cyanoacrylate glue for the briar patch. Put the glue on first then sprinkle the shavings over the glue. Press into place. I used a rolled up piece of belt sander sandpaper to shape the rim then worked up to 3000 grit. It's tedious to do by hand. Dutch told me about some conical drill stones to use. I'll be trying those out soon.

 

[mso489]

The before pictures look pretty good, kind of a nice project. The after pictures just glow, that delicate shank and stem blossoming into that commodious bowl. Kinda knocks you over.

 

[davet]

Outstanding :clap:

 

[puffermark]

^^^^ What he said!

 

[clickklick]

This is absolutely masterful work!