GBD 1353 "Seventy-Six" Restoration

[ssjones]

I found this GBD Shape 1353 "Seventy-Six" model in a four-pipe lot on Ebay last week. I have three other "Seventy-Six" models in my collection. I would call this shape a "Banker" but I've seen it referred on the Smokers Haven sales page as an "oval-shank pot". In researching this shape, member Portascat also has this GBD shape, restored by Walker Briar last year. I didn't yet have this shape represented in my collection.
I detailed all of the restoration steps on the Steve Laugs "Reborn Pipes" blog and you can read those details here, including some additional photos:
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/gbd-oval-shank-pot-seventy-six-restoration/
Here's a shot of the pipe as I received it and the finished pipe. It's not perfect, but I find the shape and finish pleasing. I'm looking forward to breaking it in.

 

[jah76]

Al that's sharp. That stem sure looks comfortable. Nice job.
Hope she smokes good for you!

 

[kashmir]

Al - Gorgeous oval shanked pot. They certainly don't make em like they used to. Enjoy!

 

[JimInks]

Great looking pipe. I have a 76 Canadian that smokes wonderfully, and I'll bet yours will smoke as good as mine. Congrats!

 

[gmwolford]

Nice job as always, Al. And appreciate the background info in the model, too!

 

[pruss]

Great looking refurb job Al!
-- Pat

 

[eaglerico]

Nice job Al, as usual.
Al, I do have a question about the rondels you restore on all these GBDs. I collect Chacoms that has the metal rondel as well. Are all the GBD rondells the silver color? I ask because I bought a Chacom that had a rondel and the previous owner buffed it so much the rondell was now silver instead of brass in color that they come in. Do you worry about that? Hoe do you deal with that?

 

[papipeguy]

Nice job as usual, Al. eaglerico, the rondels on the older GBD's are brass the newer GBD's have a painted logo.

 

[dervis]

Beautiful, still looking for one for myself as matter of fact. Really like the shape/look

 

[hfearly]

Nice one Al!

 

[ssjones]

Thanks guys. This eBay lot also included a Comoys 215 which I'm working on next.
Eagle: I've heard there are silver and brass rondells, but I have only seen the brass one. I learned the hard way not to be too aggressive on the rondell and took finish off one during an early restoration attempt, leaving black letters. It is hand work with the sanding papers (but easier than a stamped logo).
I'll break it in this evening with some MM965.