Well that cake was thicker and harder than anticipated, it was fully charred and didn't soften at all with alcohol. Former owner must have smoked at a ridiculous pace. The rim was very burnt under all the lava rock. Under all the dirt, grime, and thick varnish/"stain" there was 21 (!) fills, the putty they used was water soluble and came out when I was washing it. There are also some deep burns from sitting in an ashtray with lit cigarettes.
I just gave it a quick clean up, I could probably polish the stem a little more and try to cover up the fills and burns, but I don't think I want to, I think it will be a perfectly serviceable pipe as is. I like pipes with "character." $5 well spent, IMO.
