My Dunhill Bulldog Restoration (Photos)

[python]

As promised, here are the before and after restoration photos of my Dunhill Bulldog that I got from Kevin.
This is when Kevin first gave it to me. I took a photo of the rim.

I cleaned a spot on the rim to show Kevin that the gunk would come off fairly easy. These are the before photos.

After Photos

Once I got the gunk off of the rim, I noticed a char spot and some dings. I think that I will leave them there to add some character and history to it.
All in all, I think it cleaned up very nice.

 

[jayh]

Cleaned up very nicely. What creates that orangish color in the bottom of the bowl? Two estates I bought on eby had a similar color all through them and a sickening odor.

 

[python]

I have no idea what causes that color. I am not sure if it is the briar showing through or what.
I do know that this pipe hasn't been smoked in at least 3 years, so maybe the cake is just really dry.
If you get an estate pipe and it smells bad, give it the salt & alcohol treatment.
This one doesn't smell bad at all and I think I am just going to smoke out the old ghosts. It does smell like some type of aromatic used to be smoked in it.

 

[jayh]

I did the SA on both 2x. They are in great shape right now. Pair of dunhill group 2's, getting ready to sell them.

 

[cortezattic]

That Dunhill cleaned-up really nice, Bob. What did you do to clean the rim?

Spit, vinegar, lemon juice?

 

[python]

I just spit shined it. I also used spit to remove the surface dirt on the exterior of the pipe.

 

[admin]

That looks great Bob!

 

[unclearthur]

Bob if those dents on the rim didn't break the fibers you can raise them by laying a damp cloth over them and lightly applying an iron.

 

[python]

Thanks for the tip Art! I might have to give that a try when I get some time.

 

[chuckw]

Nice restoration Bob. Did you use a buffer to bring back the shine or just spit and polish?

 

[surfmac211]

Nicely done! Makes me want to make another ebay purchase. I think my wife will flip if she sees one more package come in the mail though lol!

 

[python]

Chuck, I just used spit and Olive Oil on the briar. I don't own a buffer and I don't really like to have my pipes buffed. Buffing can wear down the markings on the pipe and I find that the majority of the time a little elbow grease will clean a pipe just fine with no need of buffing.
I used Walker Briar Works Stem Restore Kit on the stem.

 

[igloo]

Accolades to Bob on a job well done .

 

[jonesing]

As to stems...the bleach method works like a charm for me.
As soon as I get an old pipe I dunk the stem and let it soak, ream the bowl, and if it's smelly I wipe it out with Everclear then do the salt and alcohol thing.
Then when they are done, a little elbow grease and tripoli and carnuba buffing (I'm lazier than Bob) and the whole thing is good as new...or at least as good as it's gonna get.
I agree Bob that one wouldn't want to grind the hell out out the pipe on a buffing wheel. I give it a good light once over and try to stay away from stamps and logos.
I think it's amazing really how easy it is to bring these old pipes back. I have an Edward's billiard that was just plain cruddy. I actually lightly sanded it with 600 grit and took most of the old wax off (didnt' get into the stain at all). Then buffed and rewaxed it. Shines like new now.
Great work on this one Bob. Looks great!

 

[admin]

Could I just get someone's dog to lick the rim of the pipe until it's clean?

 

[jonesing]

Yes. But it has to be a bulldog.
Do NOT use a cat. Their rough tongues will ruin the finish.
RJ