Funny looking stem - What's going on?

[onizuka]

Hey guys, I have no idea what this is on the stem, I've seen it on a few estate pipes and this has come from my newest estate pipe purchase - but it is unsmoked. There is no smell, has nothing rubbing off onto my finger when I rub the inside of the bowl and the bowl smells clean - stem and shank look clean and smell like nothing as well.
However, this is present on the mouth piece - I have no idea what it is or how to go about cleaning it. Does anybody here with more experience know?
I would have searched - but I don't know what it is, so I don't know what to search for.
Thank you guys for being an excellent resource. Here's a picture.

Sorry about the fuzzy picture, I'll try to snap a better one later on tonight.

 

[pstlpkr]

It looks like you have a "carbonized" bowl, but I don't see what you are alluding to about the stem.

Carbonized bowls have come more into acceptance in the last few years than prior to that.

The recipe is real yummy: Buttermilk, sour-cream, and activated charcoal powder. There are some variations.

But, if that is what you are referring to; not to worry. It is just an aid to building a cake in the bowl. It may make the pipe a little easier to break in, and over time you may forget which pipes were carbonized. I have a few, but I couldn't tell you which ones were.

 

[onizuka]

Sorry Lawrence, I had to edit my post - so you might have to refresh. I actually attached the wrong picture the first time around, LOL.

 

[pipetrucker]

It is likely just a bit of oxidation. That's very common with Vulcanite.

 

[hilojohnny]

Sure looks like oxidation to me....this can certainly happen to an unused pipe in a storefront window.... :?

 

[fred]

Clean the Pipe with Everclear prior to smoking it, including the inside and

outside of the bit. Use a bit polish to shine and protect the Vulcanite.

You can use Mr Clean Magic Eraser on the bit. It's a melamine micro abrasive

and works well, but you will have to come back with a bit polish, as it will

remove the surface finish along with the oxidation.

 

[jcsnaps]

Thanks Fred, I use the Magic Eraser for other cleaning projects and never thought to apply it to pipe stems.