High Grade Replica Stem Economics (example project)

[georged]

It's easy to know the route to take when a basket pipe or a Lars Ivarsson needs a new stem.

Between those extremes what to do depends on several factors, such as the replacement value of the pipe itself (though another exactly like it may be hard to find), and any "emotional" considerations such as its history (family heirloom, wedding gift, etc), or fills a specific place in your rack (such as being one of a set of birthyear pipes).

In this case the pipe is a solid example of one of Dunhill's workhorses---the R---in their most expensive Root finish. In good condition such a pipe will bring about $230 on the estate market.

So, not considering the emotional value side, just the economics, is it worth re-stemming with a true REPLICA stem, or is a low cost functional replacement the better choice?

At the conclusion of each step of the creation process a photo was taken, and the number of minutes to get there from the previous step is marked on it.

In this case the "back to new" choice was the way to go. Even though the stem wasn't inexpensive, it was significantly less than getting a new model R.

 

[alaskanpiper]

Cool to see the process and the time involved with each step. Looks like fine work as usual, George. Might help give people some idea of why artisan pipes and quality repair/restoration cost what they do. Break it down at $ per hour, and it’s really not much.

 

[Tommy Boy]

You did a very nice job on that stem. Looks wonderful and now the pipe an give many more years of service.

 

[pappymac]

George just did my 1926 Dunhill 151 and it was definitely worth the price to me because of the age and quality of the pipe.

 

[craig61a]

Amazing work!

 

[JLD66]

That is my pipe and I’m excited and well pleased ?

 

[kcghost]

I just can't believe how well George does replacement stems.

 

[augiebd]

Fantastic documentation of the skilled crafting of a high quality replacement stem. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

You could expect nothing less from this world-class craftsman, an amazing job as always,love this man

 

[cigrmaster]

This is why George has a 3 year waiting list. I once asked him to replace a stem for me but since it wasn't a Bo Nordh or a Bang or a 1911 Dunhill double patent no, he told me to piss off you newbie puke and never speak to me unless spoken too. So I took that as a no. I only wanted an acrylic stem for my Savinelli. geezzzzzzz

 

[didimauw]

That is my pipe and I’m excited and well pleased ?

That is a beautiful pipe! And you wont be disappointed by George.

 

[georged]

I once asked him to replace a stem for me but since it wasn't a Bo Nordh or a Bang or a 1911 Dunhill double patent no, he told me to piss off you newbie puke and never speak to me unless spoken too.

That's a bald-faced lie, Harris.

I said a Bo Nordh or a Bang or a 1912 double patent Dunhill.

 

[cigrmaster]

Sir George of course you are right. Please forgive a useless serf who is to ignorant to remember the date How many lashes will I get for this?

 

[georged]

Sir George of course you are right. Please forgive a useless serf who is to ignorant to remember the date How many lashes will I get for this?

That's OK

THIS time