James Upshall Bark (Unsmoked) Stem Restored

[ssjones]

As you are aware, I'm a pretty big James Upshall fan. This is my 8th Upshall but the first Bark finish and unsmoked (NOS) pipe. The Ebay pictures were horrible, but the seller took returns, so I threw the dice. The stem wasn't too difficult to restore, but working around the logo was an exercise in patience. I detailed the process here:
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/15906/
Here's some before and after shots:

The stem work is very much to my liking and I love the Bark finish. I'm off to the workshop to break this one in!

 

[yazamitaz]

WOW Al, great work. Let us know how she smokes and what you are smoking in it
Dan

 

[irish]

Very nice . Congrats and hope she smokes great .

 

[petes03]

Nice work, that's a great looking pipe! Congrats!

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Great stuff Al. She's a real beaut.

 

[captainsousie]

I'm impressed. Really like that pipe, nice grab.

 

[ssjones]

Thanks guys. What a great first smoke! I loaded up a bowl of MM965. Smooth, mellow and a great draw (this baby is drilled perfectly). I love the tactile feel of the Bark finish. I occasionally hear about guys who hate breaking in a new pipe, but if they are all like this, I'm a fan.

 

[timely]

Great job.!!!!!!

 

[plateauguy]

When I saw the title, I knew it had to be Al . . . great job as always!

 

[ssjones]

When I saw the title, I knew it had to be Al . . . great job as always!

So you're saying I'm pretty predictable, eh? Guilty as charged...

 

[lonestar]

Thats a wonderful looking finish!

 

[ssjones]

Thanks Lonestar. I've seen dark brown stained Bark finish pipes, but I don't recall seeing one in Tanshell. I just smoked another bowl in it and I really like that tactile finish, it just feels good (and smokes great). I purchased it with largely the intention of reselling it. But it looks like the pipe has won a place in my heart and rack.

 

[johnnyiii]

Real good job. And enjoyed the article.