Cleaning Antique Meerschaum Cutty Case

[The Amish Tyrant]

I'm intrigued by older pipes, especially antique meerschaum pipes that have been pre-colored.

I finally found one in my price range since I am prone to breaking things at times - I'm the reason we can't have nice things (and true to form, I snapped the stem while cleaning it, so some company will have a new customer shortly).

With a com taking care of the stem and cleaning, I'm curious if there is a way (or business) to clean the case.

Any thoughts on what type of stem replacement would be best and on cleaning the case?

 

[Ahi Ka]

@condorlover1 who do you use…or maybe you could bribe @rustiepyles to do it.

As for the case, I’ve never bothered, but my wife once suggested trying a natural upholstery cleaner.

 

[huntertrw]

That's a lovely, well-colored pipe! I hope that it proves to be a good smoker and companion to you.

Regarding the case, I would use saddle soap, warm water, and a wash cloth to gently clean (what I assume is) the leather exterior. Once dry. you might apply some neatsfoot oil to condition the leather, as I suspect it is probably dried out.

For the case's interior, I would use multiple light applications of a gentle detergent (think Woolite or Ivory Snow) solution. Avoid saturating the fabric in order to prevent breaking down the glue that holds it it place.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Any thoughts on what type of stem replacement would be best and on cleaning the case?

I'd send it to Briarville for that. They may be able to replace it with an amber one.

 

[OzPiper]

Lovely colouration on that meer

Before and after


German shoe cream
Apply with soft cloth and buff gently

 

[kcghost]

Looks like a pair of pretty good jobs.

 

[condorlover1]

Briarville for a new stem. There is someone Ashdigger uses for his pipes but I think his expertise would be wasted on a mundane meerschaum 'cutty' pipe.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

As mentioned before, I also use saddle soap & neatsfoot oil on old cases. If its a black case a little bit of black shoe cream will buff it up a bit.

 

[condorlover1]

I sometimes just have new cases made since getting the things restored is a total pain in the arse. The guy at Meerschaum Depot who sells 'cutty' pipes copied from ones in my collection will make new cases or you can just do what @OzPiper suggests if the hinges are intact and structurally sound.

 

[monty55]

Nice pipe!
I'm interested in the same thing. Just purchased a pipe from 1899 with a case and I was wondering what, if anything I could, or should do to it. I'm pretty sure I could restore the case with a new liner, but Idk if thats kosher or considered bad form, or if I should even mess with it at all.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I believe it has been Ryan Alden who has restored ashdiggers old Meers. And done a fabulous job of it.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Nice pipe!
I'm interested in the same thing. Just purchased a pipe from 1899 with a case and I was wondering what, if anything I could, or should do to it. I'm pretty sure I could restore the case with a new liner, but Idk if thats kosher or considered bad form, or if I should even mess with it at all.

Pics? What kind of shape is the case in?

 

[OzPiper]

Nice pipe!
I'm interested in the same thing. Just purchased a pipe from 1899 with a case and I was wondering what, if anything I could, or should do to it. I'm pretty sure I could restore the case with a new liner, but Idk if thats kosher or considered bad form, or if I should even mess with it at all.

Authenticity or functionality ?
If the former, then as little as possible, apart from a minimal "cleanup"
If the latter, then whatever it takes to get it to a usable, non-tatty state. But this will impact its resale value, if that is a concern.

Speaking for myself, I prefer functionality over authenticity
My pipes are bought to be used rather than to be admired as an antique

 

[monty55]

Pics? What kind of shape is the case in?

I just bought it yesterday. Should be in my hands in a week.
Not terrible condition, but I they only had a photo from one side of the outside, so not sure what the other side looks like. There was nothing mentioned about the case other than the darkening, which I can take care of. The inside isn't too bad. I think I could clean it up pretty well. Not sure what the part underneath the pipe looks like though.

Authenticity or functionality ?
If the former, then as little as possible, apart from a minimal "cleanup"
If the latter, then whatever it takes to get it to a usable, non-tatty state. But this will impact its resale value, if that is a concern.

Speaking for myself, I prefer functionality over authenticity
My pipes are bought to be used rather than to be admired as an antique

I understand your point. I'm not sure the answer. I'd like both! lol
I think I can get this in pretty good shape without taking away from the authenticity.
I'm going to completely restore the pipe

 

[OzPiper]

I think I can get this in pretty good shape without taking away from the authenticity.
I'm going to completely restore the pipe

That's what I'd do
I'd rather have a pipe looking "clean&nice" than old but "shabbily authentic"