Comoys Prince 303 Sandblast (Sterling) Restoration

[ssjones]

I don't add too many pipes to my personal collection these days, but this 303 Prince is definitely going into my cabinet. I thought this was the more commonly seen Shape 337 Prince, but was surprised to see it is a shape 303. I can't find any other examples of a 303 shape (one second line, it has a vulcanite shank cap). The Sterling cap was definitely an selling point. The pipe looked to be in great shape and sure enough, it was a simple restoration.

The full restoration details are on the Reborn PIpes blog:

Comoy’s Shape 303 Sandblast/Sterling Prince Restoration

By Al Jones A silver ferrule Comoy’s sandblast Prince shape has been on my wish list, and I’ve always managed to lose the few that have come up on auction. I thought this was the Comoy…

rebornpipes.com

Before

 

[ssjones]

And finished.

 

[ssjones]

 

[yohanan]

Excellent Job, Congrats!!!

 

[supperthyme]

What a beautiful restoration! What method did you use to remove the oxidation on the stem?

 

[trouttimes]

Really fine job. You definitely have skills.

 

[donjgiles]

Beautiful!
Pipe and restoration!

 

[ssjones]

What a beautiful restoration! What method did you use to remove the oxidation on the stem?

My process is in the Reborn Pipes blog link.

 

[voorhees]

Gawd. That is nice.

 

[scloyd]

Well done! That's a beauty.

 

[ssjones]

Thanks folks. I'll look forward to enjoying this one over the weekend. The pipe weighs a svelte 30 grams, but has a decent size bowl.
I suspect this was part of the "Deluxe" line of Comoys, see catalog page below. They were available in Walnut or Sandblast finish. I wonder why the silver wasn't hallmarked? (sold in the US only?)

 

[cshubhra]

Fantastic job on the restoration as always!!!

 

[ssjones]

First smoke was tonight, excellent. That button is the business.

 

[augiebd]

Very sharp looking pipe, glad to hear it smokes as well as it looks.

 

[snagstangl]

What about a 306? I just saw this on ebay.

Comoys Deluxe 306 Pipe Estate Find Sterling Band London Vintage Smoking 19-2745 | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Comoys-Deluxe-306-Pipe-Estate-Find-Sterling-Band-London-Vintage-Smoking-19-2745/113957094724?hash=item1a885f4544:g:JFIAAOSwThNdxhqa

 

[snagstangl]

It looks like it is listed in the 1964 catalog you posted the deluxe page from.

 

[weezell]

 

[ssjones]

Thanks snagstangl! The 306 must be it's kissin cousin! I don't have that entire catalog, just that one page. I'll that shape page to my blog article.

 

[hoppes]

I shagged the 306 from above. Thought it my be ideal for restoration. Not in as good shape as ssjones'. Has a dent in the metal collar and a hole in the stem. Have tried to get some info on the net but the 306 doesn't seem to show up. Would like to see what color the original staining was. Black, black over red, black over brown ??One unique feature of the 3 part C is the C is actually set above the level of the stem. Defect or made that way?? Should be a challenge to refurb!! Will get the after pictures when done. Thanks, Hoppes

 

[donjgiles]

On some older Comoy pipes the "C" tends to swell and work itself out a bit.
If you are feeling brave, it can be sanded down flush with the stem.