I inherited my great-grandfather's pipe - it's a briar churchwarden, and looks and works great. It's not a name brand and has more sentimental value than antique value. It's got a story as interesting as the Arizona pioneer who first owned it. see image link below. I use this pipe very carefully!
This week, while carefully removing the stem to clean the pipe, I heard a tiny crack, and noticed a hairline fracture in the shank. It's the first time I've noticed any cracking. It's hardly noticeable, and not visible in the photo linked.
I would like to ask for experienced opinions about the prognosis on this pipe. I'm trying to decide if I should retire the old pipe and display it looking nicely, or repair it. Does Briar become brittle with age? If I repair it and continue using it, is it likely to get worse?
If I get it repaired what's the best way to do that with a pipe of this design (trying to set aside personal taste)?
Finally, any ideas about what a pipe like this is worth?
Thanks for any ideas.
Photo link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j2smbus85s7in5e/Briar%20churchwarden.jpg
This week, while carefully removing the stem to clean the pipe, I heard a tiny crack, and noticed a hairline fracture in the shank. It's the first time I've noticed any cracking. It's hardly noticeable, and not visible in the photo linked.
I would like to ask for experienced opinions about the prognosis on this pipe. I'm trying to decide if I should retire the old pipe and display it looking nicely, or repair it. Does Briar become brittle with age? If I repair it and continue using it, is it likely to get worse?
If I get it repaired what's the best way to do that with a pipe of this design (trying to set aside personal taste)?
Finally, any ideas about what a pipe like this is worth?
Thanks for any ideas.
Photo link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j2smbus85s7in5e/Briar%20churchwarden.jpg