Might Have Gone Overboard

AlabamaDan · Jan 4, 2020

So to learn how to restore pipes before touching my sentimental ones, I started cruising eBay. I might have gone overboard. Oh well. I’ve got enough to keep me busy for a while. What do y’all think of my new little collection?

I emailed the seller of these and he said they were his grandfather’s pipes. He said that he was in the Navy and passed away in an airplane accident. He said these were probably from the 60s but didn’t really know much more. They don’t have much of a cake on the inside and no real smell.

The seller of this lot below and said they were just some he purchased at an estate sale and was reselling. No real story there but they smelled fantastic I wish I knew what was in them. They are pretty dirty and are going to require some good cleaning.

The seller of this last light said they were his and he is just spinning his heard. He said he bought them all in the 60s and 70s but couldn’t remember exactly. They don’t smell very good to me I’m going to have to clean them. I like his style however.

If anyone has any insight on any of the pipes I would love to hear it. I am new to this whole pipe collecting pipe restoration and pipe smoking endeavor.

AlabamaDan · Jan 4, 2020

Oh and a little stand came with one of them.

gervais · Jan 4, 2020

Those definately ought to keep you busy for a while. Nice find!

mikethompson · Jan 4, 2020

Looks like a good mix of styles to start out on. Personally, I don't like working on rusticated bowls or rims, but that is just me.

That green pipe in your last lot is a Dr. Grabow colour pipe from the 70s.

mikethompson · Jan 4, 2020

Here we are, Christmas 1971

seanv · Jan 4, 2020

Looks like you have a nice start. I don’t think it’s overboard

shanez · Jan 4, 2020

Very nice! There's no such thing as overboard IMO.

mikethompson · Jan 4, 2020

Also in your third picture, that larger pipe with the more rustic look - that looks like a ROPP.It is a French brand and that wood might be cherry.

diamondback · Jan 4, 2020

Off to a fine start I’d say!

Not overboard at all in my opinion. Then again ya gotta remember we’re all pipe guys so to be overboard you’d really have to have bought a metric arse ton! ?

augiebd · Jan 4, 2020

Nice variety. They also look like they will clean up nicely. It should be a fun, learning process. Enjoy! I have a few lots I have bought from EBay that I am slowly working on to learn. They are in much rougher shape and not as nice a selection. I think you are off to a great start.

AlabamaDan · Jan 4, 2020

mikethompson said:
Also in your third picture, that larger pipe with the more rustic look - that looks like a ROPP.It is a French brand and that wood might be cherry.

That’s right. I’ve researched that one.

mso489 · Jan 4, 2020

They look suited to your purposes. Go easy with any reaming or skip it, since you can do a world of damage with those, and since you don't seem to have a lot of cake in them. Some of the work you could do as a sort of assembly line, doing stems (at least to a point) then rims, etc. Then you could go back and minister to each pipe as a separate project. Just an idea. Likewise, I don't think any of these need refinishing. And go easy with any machine buffing. You can get some pretty results out of these, if you have the time and take the time. Then show off the results! You'll know when it's over how much time you want to spend after these.