Looking for a Saddle Bit Stem for This...

[cwarmouth]

Hey Folks,
I'm looking for a saddle bit stem to complete the restoration of an old estate pipe I have. It is a Velani Classica Brut 203. This pipe has virtually no internet presence. I cannot find out anything about it. The outside diameter of the stem shank at the stem is ~ 5/8" (16 mm) and the hole is ~3/8" or around 9 mm". I'm not extremely concerned about the tenon size as I can modify it to a degree. If anyone happens to have a box of stems and has one close to these dimensions, I would love to purchase it from you. I'm not very concerned about the condition or brand. Also interested in any info someone might have.

 

[agnosticpipe]

The only help I can give is to check online at Pipedia under Italian pipes, Aldo Velani. As far as the stem goes, check with Vermont Freehand online. He sells stems that may match your shank size, but you will have to adapt the tenon to fit your pipe.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I don't have stems, but I've found a couple of eBay to replace broken ones. That is some sweet rustication.

 

[cwarmouth]

That is some sweet rustication.

Ain't she purdy?

 

[Waning Embers]

I'd contact Mike Meyers at Walker Briar Repair.

 

[mso489]

A pro can fit this easily, and at not too much cost. I'd consider a little color in the stem, like maybe tortoise shell, to set off the rusticatiion -- handsome!

 

[craig61a]

I probably have one I could send you. Double check the dimensions, and let me know. I'll leave it a few thousandths over, and you can sand it to fit.

 

[cwarmouth]

Craig61a: You just have no idea how happy this would make me! Thank you! I will PM you with an address and will happily pay you for the stem, shipping, and your trouble. I double checked the dimensions. The O.D. of the stem is just shy of 5/8". (It's less than 1/32" less.) The O.D. of the hole is just shy of 3/8". (Less than 1/32 less.)
As an aside, I did order and receive a stem from Vermont Freehand that was nowhere close to what I ordered. I don't know what other's experiences are with them but I have ordered 4 stems from them in the past and only one actually came close to the dimensions I ordered. Maybe I just don't understand their measurement chart.

 

[craig61a]

The VF stems are rough sizes and need to be finished in almost all cases. So I'm not surprised that you can't get one that is a perfect fit.