Grandfathers Pipe Restore?

[Hobbs]

I just obtained my Grandfathers Cob and was wondering if some maintenance could be done?
He passed away in 1974 and most likely had this in the ‘60s.
I noticed the stem/bit was not completely tight and while trying to remove it, certain areas began cracking where the stem meets the chamber. Needless to say that I stopped.

Is their anything I could do to help restore the wood to prevent breakage or will this just be a shelf pipe?

 

[scloyd]

Me...I would leave it just the way it is, just the way Grandpa last smoked it. I'd display it in my smoking room.

 

[solideogloria86]

The shank is the part that meets the chamber, and it isn't designed to be removed. If it's loose, it can be removed very carefully, cleaned up, and reattached. Most folks use Elmer's wood glue. Any cracking in the outside of the bowl that doesn't go all the way through can be filled with plaster of Paris, that's what smooth cobs are finished with at the factory.
Cracks that go all the way through can be filled on the outside with plaster of Paris and pipe mud on the inside.

 

[FALaholic]

l’ll second leaving it as is. I’ve restored other items and regretted it later. The value in your old cob is sentimental, and to my mind that disappears somewhat if altered.

 

[monty55]

Set that dandy on the shelf with an old tobacco tin and enjoy looking at it and thinking about Gramps.

 

[FurCoat]

I agree with displaying the pipe in its current condition.

 

[WVOldFart]

If you only had one pipe I'd fix it, but since I'm sure that you have several I'd cherish it as a fond keep sake. It is very pleasing to be able to have part of our past that we can look at from time to time. It let's our minds wonder back to former, less hectic times in our lives. Enjoy that fine pipe as a part of yesterday.

 

[turtlehead]

makes me wish my grandpa had smoked. beautiful piece and memory that I'd see kept on a shelf as a great memory

 

[Hobbs]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep the pipe as a momento and not use it.
The ironic part is I just acquired the pipe from my Uncle (his son) and in the very early ‘70’s my Grandfather gave me a zippo lighter which I always kept.
I will now have both on my shelf.

 

[captpat]

They look good together.

 

[mso489]

You could use a similar MM cob you own or could buy as a pipe to smoke in tribute to your Grandpa's. I'm intrigued by the branding sticker. It was made in Washington (Missouri, I presume) so this was a sub-brand of Missouri Meerschaum. The pipe and lighter make a handsome pair.

 

[kcghost]

Good choice.

 

[mikethompson]

I would definitely leave that for as is, perhaps with a small framed picture of your grandpa next to it.