Do you think it can be saved?

[letsgodowntherabbithole]

I came across this little guy the other day at an antique mall. I'm not sure if it's still there but I thought i would post it for the fun of it. It does have tobacco in it still, but the thing is so rusted the I couldn't get the top open. The price is less then 10 bucks but I didn't know if there was any way of getting the tobacco out and reviving it back to smoking status. What do you guys think?

 

[pstlpkr]

If it's an "unopened" tin, you can insert some small flat devise (e.g. a small "common" screw driver) under the lid and gently twist to break the vacuum.

If it's rusted shut, the baccy may not be any good.
You could try using two rubber "jar" opener pads if you have them.

 

[ichbinmuede]

Well I'd venture a guess that the oxidization is largely on the outside if it's unopened. If it's not just rusted shut but the vacuum is still intact then I'd say it's still salvageable.

Assuming of course that it hadn't moulded. I'd say haggle them down to $2-$5 and take a look. At the least you've got a neat little tin that could be used in a project.

 

[hobie1dog]

The rust may just be around the outside of the bottom portion, so you might be able to turn it upside down and put a small amount of penetrating fluid around the seam so that it would go down inside and break loose the two parts..worth a try.

 

[letsgodowntherabbithole]

judging by the weight of the tin when you pick it up I think that it has been opened before.

 

[bubbadreier]

I would get it just to see! But I have heard Clan tobacco to be nasty!

 

[ichbinmuede]

Maybe something magical happens in the aging that nobody ever knew about? Who knows Bub!? We're in uncharted waters here!

 

[papipeguy]

bubba, the Clan you may be refering to is made by Theodorus Niemeyer. It really isn't too bad. Reminds me of Flying Dutchman. so you know it has to be gently sipped or you'll get 3rd degree tongue burn.

The stuff above looks to be something different. I would certainly try to get it open and rehydrate it with distilled water.

I look forward to a follow-up on this as these vintage blends are very interesting.

 

[tanless1]

The best part is that if some of the rust makes it into the bowl , it'll help keep it lit.

 

[strongirish]

If it has tobacco in it, you can rehydrate with distilled water. Drop it a couple of times to break the rust free and then use a flathead scewdriver and pry it open. I have brought worse back to life. Not a fan of Clan, but maybe after all these years...

 

[julesholling]

Think it depends on what price you can get it for. But 10 bucks for a tin of Clan is a bit steep. Tried Clan as my first smoke and it nearly put me of pipes. Tried it again recently after trying a few others types of baccy in-case it was just me but no. That stuff is terrible (to me anyway)

 

[python]

If you can get it for less than $10 like you say, I say go for it. I would try to get it for $5.00 though.
It is kind of like finding a chest in the dirt. It is a treasure chest or a junk chest? If it has been opened before like you assume it has, there may not be any tobacco in it at all. It could have something else in it. It sounds like it could be kind of fun buying it and getting it open to see what is in it. But only if it is cheap enough and less than 10 bucks sounds like it might be worth the gamble.

If there is tobacco in it and it is dried out, you can rehydrate it. Here is my article on how to do it:

How to Rehydrate Pipe Tobacco

 

[letsgodowntherabbithole]

OK guys I took the plunge and purchased this guy. I got it opened, and it was no small feat to get that far. I will be posting a photo essay of my adventure in the next few minutes here. I must mention though, not only did it have the tobacco in it, but it looks like it's completley full! Opened and sat on a shelf to age it seems. The tobacco seems like it's all there. Pics to come on it's own thread :D
P.S. Thanks bob for the link, I'm going to rehydrate the tobacco and see what it's like.

 

[greggors]

Wow nice! nice pick up. Here's hoping its a good tobacco ::

 

[expatpipe]

Drum roll.... :D