Dunhill Tanshell restoration

[Risteard]

Good morning.
I recently acquired a 1969 Dunhill Tanshell, which shows slight darkening on an outer part of the bowl. When smoking it, this area becomes a bit sticky. I’ve inspected it and don’t see any visible cracks, and I’ve read elsewhere that sometimes residue can build up from use, and when the pipe heats up while smoking, it can transfer to the outside of the bowl. Does anyone have more in-depth knowledge about this, or know a skilled restorer of vintage pipes who could do a proper job? Thank you all very much.

 

[Sigmund]

It could just be ancient accumulation of oil from handling, wax, dirt, soot...maybe it just needs a good cleaning on the outside. There is just about no telling with a pipe that old.

Your profile doesnt have a country or location listed so its hard to suggest a professional

 

[Risteard]

I’m in the US, let me update that.

 

[Sigmund]

There are tons of guys and some top tier guys who restore. Im sure someone will make a few suggestions

 

[Risteard]

Thank you

 

[xrundog]

A brown area on the outside is probably due to a thin spot in the chamber wall transferring heat. Might be a pit or void or possibly a burned spot. If it had a bowl coating when it arrived it’s probably hiding something.

 

[Bananacaravanadium]

Could you post some photos?

 

[Risteard]

Absolutely!

 

[xrundog]

I’d expect to see a burned charcoal like appearance on the backside of the bowl. That thing got HOT!
The chamber view provided looks okay though.

 

[Risteard]

Indeed, it got quite hot. That darker area is the one that became a bit sticky, but when pressing it with my fingernail it doesn’t give in. I also inspected the interior with a magnifying glass and couldn’t see any cracks.
If indeed it has no cracks, then I would like to get in touch with a good restorer who could bring this piece back to something close to its original condition. In addition to that darkened spot, the Tanshell finish appears generally darkened from use and the passage of time.

 

[Briarcutter]

As mentioned, that piece got hot! Heat came from the inside so it's more than likely darkened all through. I don't think it's just a "finish" issue. Chamber looks fine, just smoke and enjoy it. Smoke slowly, if it starts o get hot set it down, don't keep puffing away, let it cool down.. Was it dark like that when you purchased it?

 

[Risteard]

Yes, it was already dark when I bought it, but only that spot got sticky when it got hot. Once it cooled down, it stopped feeling sticky.

 

[Briarcutter]

It's probably just the finish getting sticky from over heating. Smoke slower. Only option is re blasting it, and that is no guarantee.

Yes, it was already dark when I bought it, but only that spot got sticky when it got hot. Once it cooled down, it stopped feeling sticky

 

[Briarcutter]

Mistake

 

[Risteard]

Thank you!

 

[mingc]

You can't turn charcoal back to wood. Smoke it gently. Maybe try coating the chamber with sodium silicate/water glass.

 

[georged]

The darkness is not necessarily heat related.

I've seen a number of "newspaper pipes" over the years---where right-handed guys read a fresh newspaper every day for years while smoking, and didn't care they were transferring ink with their thumb and forefinger---and your Tanshell looks a lot like 'em. (Dark areas are shiny, fade to normal color going outward, chamber walls not charred)

 

[Risteard]

Interesting! In that sense, what catches my attention is that this area becomes sticky; it’s not just the aesthetic aspect of the color change. Do you know if that usually happen with ink transfer?

 

[PaulRVA]

I don’t see any chamber burnout going on. Smoke the heck out of it and smoke slow developing some uniform cake and hopefully it will eventually blend in with the continued darkening. To me it looks like a cigarette smoker was hot boxing aromatics or over using the lighter to keep it going and most of the heat was concentrated to the top of the bowl. Some Beeswax applications to the chamber and exterior might help as well.
I’d like to see you revive it as it’s a great pipe.

 

[Risteard]

Thank you. I have been looking for that shape for quite some time.