Example of "Invisible Repair" (Dunhill EC)

[georged]

Something that gets brought up occasionally around here is that so-called "pipe repair" is a spectrum that runs from only restoring functionality without regard for appearance, to making a pipe look literally new again. Meaning, if the repaired pipe was sent back in time and dropped onto the appropriate output table the year it was originally made, the inspector Q/A guy wouldn't realize it was a time traveller, and would green light it.

Another test---applicable in the case of historical collectables---would be to have it declared authentic by an expert.

This 1967 Dunhill EC is an example of the latter. The original stem was badly oxidized and chewed, but the stummel was in good condition (under a layer of carbon and grime, of course) and it was an excellent full coverage sandblast specimen. (It's rare-ish to find a Shell with a good, deep blast that doesn't distort the pipe's lines.)

It was worth getting back into new condition, in other words, complete with "undetectable counterfeit-grade" stem.

The "EC" shape stands for "Extra Cool" or "Extra Classy", of course...

For anyone starting out in stem-making the photo with the ruler is for you. Don't go there. Really small stems are as extra-difficult as really large ones. This one is only 1.32" long, with a .22" tenon. It's like working with a stem-shaped postage stamp.

 

[TheWhale13]

You are a wizard. Wonderful craftsmanship!

 

[Dave760]

That is magnificent work!

 

[OzPiper]

 

[MattRVA]

Look at that beautiful slot!

 

[beefeater33]

What A BEAUTY!! I can only imagine what a B*#CH it is to make such a small stem. Great work as always!
I have a 1967 EC as well but the blast is mediocre...................
Methinks yours is a 1957.........you know, my OCD and all............

 

[verporchting]

Just freaking magnificent!

 

[georged]

Methinks yours is a 1957.........you know, my OCD and all............

You're probably right. (I was going to double check but the Relentlessy Viscious Edit Lockout Monster made the point moot.)

It isn't mine, btw. It belongs to an alligator farmer who builds and sells Heathkit radios as a sideline. (welcome to the PipeWorld, right?)

 

[PaulRVA]

Awesome!

 

[kcghost]

Awesome stuff as usual from the best in business. Always a pleasure to see his work.

 

[WerewolfOfLondon]

Man, that is feckin amazin. So basically, if I ever drop my one cherished Dunhill, and the stem breaks, you'll be the bloke to speak to. This is good to know, as you can imagine, this nightmare scenrio is one that keeps me up at night. I might just be able to sleep easy tonight lol.

 

[AroEnglish]

The lighting in photo 4 really show off how exact the copy is.

Is it just the photo or is the dot on the original stem just a hair larger than on the new stem?

 

[georged]

The lighting in photo 4 really show off how exact the copy is.

Is it just the photo or is the dot on the original stem just a hair larger than on the new stem?

Good eye. It's nine ten-thousandths of an inch larger.

The difference between a machinist #50 (.0700") and a metric 1.5mm (.0709")

It was the closest I had.

Doesn't matter in authenticity terms, though, because besides Dunhill dots varying considerably in size over time and by pipe group size, they varied a smidge according to (apparently) available dot material stock size.

FWIW, the material the dot is made from is historically correct for the period. Uncolored celluloid. (I found a package of pre-war chopsticks years ago so have a lifetime supply.)

For anyone wondering, Dunhill never used real ivory. The ivory color just morphed into that assumption over time because of (presumably) the luxury brand connection.

 

[AroEnglish]

Good eye. It's nine ten-thousandths of an inch larger.

The difference between a machinist #50 (.0700") and a metric 1.5mm (.0709")

It was the closest I had.

Doesn't matter in authenticity terms, though, because besides Dunhill dots varying considerably in size over time and by pipe group size, they varied a smidge according to (apparently) available dot material stock size.

FWIW, the material the dot is made from is historically correct for the period. Uncolored celluloid. (I found a package of pre-war chopsticks years ago so have a lifetime supply.)

For anyone wondering, Dunhill never used real ivory. The ivory color just morphed into that assumption over time because of (presumably) the luxury brand connection.

That’s a big compliment coming from you

Did Dunhill ever use ivory as stem accents? I have a pipe like this and have heard that the band might be real ivory.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=57638

 

[georged]

Did Dunhill ever use ivory as stem accents? I have a pipe like this and have heard that the band might be real ivory.

In 1963 ivory was just another material, so it definitely could be.

An opera pipe's "luxury image factor" would also be in line with using real ivory on a special edition of some kind. From space shuttles to complete gold plating, Dunhill wasn't shy when it came to one-off specimens and limited runs.

The entire situation is a mess because the export and trading bans are mostly to protect elephants, but they aren't the only animals with tusks. From walruses to warthogs, there's still plenty of ivory if you aren't particular about the source. But being able to identify the differences in manufactured items outside of a lab isn't possible.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Amazing work!

 

[captpat]

Excellent work, as always.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Superbe and Mind blowing

 

[georged]

Thanks for all the props, guys.

What's legit funny, because it's truly how I approach things problem-wise, is that nothing could be simpler: Just take Material Chunk A in one hand and remove whatever is necessary from it to make it the same size as Material Chunk B in your other hand.

Except for the bending part (if applicable, which has some material-specific considerations), that's all there is to it.

The HARD part is training Hoover and Lily to use hand tools. Pushing buttons and throwing switches, no problem, but the bigger files and sometimes sandpaper takes a while.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

That’s a big compliment coming from you

Did Dunhill ever use ivory as stem accents? I have a pipe like this and have heard that the band might be real ivory.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=57638

Your opera stem accent is animal dentine of some sort, specifically what species I could not say. For resale sake let's call it mammoth though. I say that having had it in my hands and having polished and buffed that accent, you can tell by the smell.