My Dr. Grabow Purchase: The Verdict

[numbersix]

A before (grimy) and after (90 minutes of polishing and a little restaining):

I bought this from ebay seller irishlefty. It was advertised as an unsmoked Dr. Grabow from the 1950s. The seller said he polished it up as well. I discovered that it was not cleaned up in the slightest and it's also not from the 1950s. That left me somewhat disappointed in the seller. However, some members here defended him saying he's a standup guy, and so I will try to give him the benefit of the doubt.
This was also my first Dr. Grabow and I can see why this is called a "drug store" pipe. It's definitely low-end. The stem (vulcanite) has a cheaply made tenon and I believe that if I am not careful with this pipe, it will not last very long.
Still, overall, I count my purchase as a good one. The pipe was indeed unsmoked and it's a nice looking pipe. And I have to give the pipe credit, it actually smoked surprisingly well. For $16.50, I feel this was a nice addition to my rotation. ::

 

[ghost]

I'm a fan of Grabows, and that's a nice clean up job Six. Great value too.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks ghost. I have to admit that I like this pipe.

 

[erichbaumer]

Looks great, what are you breaking it in with? Can't comment on the tenon, both of mine are Starfires with the "adjustomatic" threaded deal.

 

[ejames]

Nice looking old Royal Duke Six! Those aluminum tenons hold up surprisingly well. If they loosen up it's usually in the mortise. A little beeswax or a light coat of nail polish in the mortise will take care of that.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks a lot guys!

Those aluminum tenons hold up surprisingly well.

Very glad to hear it - thanks ejames. I had to spread the tenon a bit (afraid to overdo it) and applied beeswax - but it's still not very tight.

what are you breaking it in with?

First bowl was FMC. I've never been one to worry too much about the break-in process (I just smoke what I'm in the mood for).

 

[ejames]

Maybe it will tighten up with a few bowls.

 

[numbersix]

Maybe it will tighten up with a few bowls.

Maybe so - I also might try spreading the tenon a bit more. I have to say, for pipe smokers who need to increase their rotation, grabbing an older Dr Grabow seems like a good bet.

 

[ejames]

Maybe so - I also might try spreading the tenon a bit more.

Be careful doing that! When you spread the tenon it makes the corners at the end of the tenon stick out and can effectively turn the stem into a drill bit! Best bet is to build up the mortise.

 

[gwtwdbss]

Great clean up six. That it a beauty!

 

[numbersix]

Thanks Chris!

Be careful doing that! When you spread the tenon it makes the corners at the end of the tenon stick out and can effectively turn the stem into a drill bit! Best bet is to build up the mortise.

Thanks ejames - good advice.

 

[boudreaux]

Almost looks like a "sideways Dunhill billiard" with that white dot. Nice job refurbishing it, Six.

 

[captainsousie]

There has only been one eBay seller whose definition of "clean" came even close to mine. Aside from that, looks like it could be a pretty good burner.

 

[cigrmaster]

six, glad to hear you like how the Grabow smokes. It is a good looking pipe, it definitely fits into your collection of classic pipes.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks a lot guys.
I am happily impressed with this pipe. And surprised at how lightweight it is at 32 grams.

definitely fits into your collection of classic pipes.

Very true, I can't help it - I like billiards!

 

[wildcat]

Excellent pipe, you will find it is a real workhorse I'm sure! Enjoy!

 

[plateauguy]

Nice looking pipe. A friend gave me a Grabow a while back. I cleaned it up and put it in the rack. I keep thinking that I'll give it a try, but my hand just never goes there. Thanks for renewing my interest.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks guys - it's growing on me more and more. It doesn't have that "quality" substance of more expensive pipes - however, it's smoked really well and it's very lightweight. I have no doubt I'll be reaching for it on a regular basis.

Thanks for renewing my interest.

Let us know if you try it - you might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[hodirty]

First off, great clean up six. Second, I love my Grabows. I own 4 and they are the work horses of my rotation. They are, IMO, very decent smokers. And lastly, Glad to hear about your new acquisition six. Congrats and Enjoy!

 

[dragonslayer]

I have a few Grabow pipes because all my money goes into tobacco for now *sigh*, but all of them smoke fine. I did have to do a little work on them. A good smoker, no matter what the cost, is a good smoke.
Craig