ThView attachment 291492
Other than what I would call the "pores opening up" the pipe is unchanged. I'm starting to think that the assumed practices of pipe maintenance might be a little misplaced. Remember when cleaning the bowl and stem with running water started a firestorm here?
This cheap pipe is really impressing me with the fight its putting up.
Actually, the color has improved with the water test, revealed the woodpecker rustication nicely. The graceful lines on that stem work & rustication indeed make this a unique piece.
Re cleaning method, If I boil one of my perfect pipes, it may reveal pits I pretend are not there already.