How can you tell what your stem is made of?

[chromenut]

That's a big question for me. I've purchased now over 40 estate pipes (PAD out of control) and am working on them to bring them all back to life. Many are already in beautiful state, but even the nicest are exhibiting teeth chatter and stem oxidation.
So, the question is - how do I know what my stem is made of? I noticed that, for instance, Obsidian pipe stem oil says it's for Vulcanite and Cumberland stems only. Okay, fine, how do I know if my stem is one of those? Still a newbie to this whole pipe thing but loving it. Want all my pipes, no matter how old and grungy, to look beautiful when I'm done with them.
Advice is most welcome!

 

[brewshooter]

I don't think Obsidian would cause any harm to a lucite stem. I've found it's not too easy to tell the difference, if it's some bright color, it's lucite/acrylic. Every Cumberland stem I've seen has a specific look to it, a beautiful, red, swirly brown sort of thing. A black stem could be lucite, but it could also be vulcanite. Vulcanite is softer, but, for me, it's not that easy to tell the difference.

 

[markw4mms]

Well, for the most part, if the stem is any color other than black, it's Lucite. One other was to tell, especially if it's an estate pipe is to look for a brownish, or kind greenish tint to the stem, if it's like that, it's a oxidized Vulcanite stem. One other way you can identify a black stem if it's still shiny, is to hold the pipe by the bowl, and lightly thump the bit with your fingernail. A Lucite stem will have a higher pitched ping sound to it, and Vulcanite usually has a dull thud to it. At least that is my experience with it,YMMV.

 

[ejames]

If it is oxidized it is probably vulcanite or cumberland which is just basically colored vulcanite.

 

[pipetrucker]

I don't think Lucite oxidizes.

 

[philip]

All my vulanite stems are black. My one lucite stem has shades of color and looks almost translucent.

That may or may not be a good guide.

Can you take them to a pipe shop and have an experienced person see them? Might be good to be sure.

Want all my pipes, no matter how old and grungy, to look beautiful when I'm done with them.

I'm sure they will. Have fun working on them.
*Edit* And then post some pictures of them.

 

[pstlpkr]

One other way you can identify a black stem if it's still shiny, is to hold the pipe by the bowl, and lightly thump the bit with your fingernail. A Lucite stem will have a higher pitched ping sound to it, and Vulcanite usually has a dull thud to it. At least that is my experience with it,YMMV.

You know, that is a good way to tell the difference....
Excellent tip! :clap:

Thanks Mark....
I learned something today.... Dang-it! :evil:

 

[matchstickman]

I have found that some of the "beater" pipe makers, such as Dr. Grabow, Medico, and a couple of others I can't think of off the top of my head, actually employ what I'm guessing is some sort of plastic in their stems. I say this because I have bought quite a few old Medicos from back in the 60s and 70s that havent been smoked for 20-30 years, and they have not oxidized in the slightest. The material feels and looks much like plastic to me, and it is shiny and when dunked in an oxyclean soak, nothing comes out of it. As far as other materials, if you think it is vulcanite, I find I can actually give the stem a good sniff. Old vulcanite stems, even with little to no oxidation, have a stinky sort of burnt tire smell to them when they have been sitting too long, which I'm guessing happens because of chemical breakdowns between the rubber and sulfur, which is what vulcanite is. I have seen very few black Lucite stems, but they do exist. Take this info with a grain of salt however. This is just my personal method, and as always, YMMV.

 

[chromenut]

My problem is I have a wide range of pipes, 46 so far, no two alike, some similar but no two the same. I did this to slowly smoke my way through them and find the one's I like the best, so keeping probably 20 or so. Started to keep 12, but bought enough pipe stands and racks for over 20 so gonna keep that many. Now I'm thinking that rather than spend my time working on fixing up the original stems, I'm going to bag and tag them for the pipes they come from if I can find replacement stems to fit. Lucily a lot of mine have the 9mm shank, like on the Grabow's, so those are easy to find stems for. The others, well, I'll have to see. Any of these pipes I don't want I'm going to fully restore and list them back on ebay, so no stems for them...

 

[drsam]

Vintage and/or Antique Pipe bits.
OK Pipe buddies I will now expose a bit of ignorance for you. I collect, smoke, repair, and play with

vintage and antique pipes.

I think of "Vintage" as being anything from 10 to 60 years old and "Antique" as being well over 60 years old. (This does not, of course, apply to me as I prefer the apellation of "OF".)
I have found four major materials used on antique pipes for bits and stems. That is Amber, Wood, Clay, and Horn.
Most Amber bits that I have found are on Meers and high end pipes that are pre WWI.
The term "Amber" can denote either the material or the color. The true test for amber is odor. Since Amber is the petrified sap of a Pine tree when heated it has a distinct odor of Pine or Cedar. The test is to take a paper clip and straigten it out heat it amost red hot and touch the material and smell it. THIS WILL HURT YOUR PIPE!!! If I MUST do this I usually remove the stem and test very carefully where it is not exposed.

Horn bits were in common use on pipes made in Germany and Central and Eastern Europe. Usually Gray or black with white streaks or swirls. Use the same test as for Amber but the smell will be of burning hair.

OK taking too long I will work on more modern bits later.

waiting on post for another pipe and two orders od baccy.

Both Amber tend to Chip and Amber is very brittle.