Mismatched Stem?

[aquadoc]

I have been admiring this particular GBD but the stem never looked "right". Upon closer inspection, maybe not the original stem? Experts?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Not expert on restemming, but I have seen photos that look like that that is a result of photo artifacts, where I know the pipe is sound. However, the background here suggests that the stem is a poor fit. Any other pix?

 

[aquadoc]

Maybe but the taper does not match, at least not to my eye.

 

[uperepik]

I bought a stanwell that had a similar problem though not quite as bad. Pretty sure mine was from someone sanding the stem while out of the shank. You can tell the edges are rounded off a bit. I did the same thing to the first pipe I restored. But I couldn't tell you for sure that's what you've got with this one

 

[aquadoc]

I wanted to bid on this one but I am glad I did not. The stem can be refitted/replaced but the price on ebay will not reflect the need. Besides I picked up 2 yesterday for less each. This one has interesting grain. If it had a best offer, I would point out the issue and try to bargain.

 

[snagstangl]

Im pretty sure it is rounding off from not to knowledgeable refurb.

 

[fluffie666]

It could be any number of things. The possibility of it being a stem that did not originally belong to the pipe is there. I definitely agree with uperepik about the stem being sanded down. The rounded edges of where the stem should meet the shank make it obvious. The stem not meeting the shank flush could be because of the briar drying out, heat, fiddling with the stem to much, gunk and tar build up, etc. Or it might be mismatched. I couldn't say for sure. Personally, I would leave it alone. Let someone buy it. I'm extremely picky with pipes though. It does have some beautiful grain.

 

[aquadoc]

The tenon looks clean. http://www.ebay.com/itm/201917866073
But I will let those one pass.