My First True Churchwarden...A 'WoodieWarden

[captainsousie]

Here's a few pics of my newest acquisition. An 11.5" Kaywoodie churchwarden. The seller wasn't knowledgeable but they were helpful and I was convinced to buy the pipe since it was a push-tenon and a 4-digit pipe for a price that wasn't too much to gamble on. Boy was I in for a surprise. Judging by the nomenclature, I got a first-gen (1919-1924) Kaywoodie. Also, looking at the clover and the button construction, the stem looks original. :D It was barely smoked so a few dozen pipe cleaners and q-tips later there was no more stain or grunge coming out and I was good to go on the stem. Turns out the stem has an internal problem so a pipe cleaner gets stopped about 2" from the button. Been working on it to see if I could open up the hole a bit but it looks like it might take a trip to Norwood's. Still, it's a hell of a score for the gamble it was.
Here's the pics. Just gotta clean up/de-oxidize the stem and she's ready to go. (sorry for the crappier-than-usual pics)

 

[pruss]

What a wonderful score! Well done man. Have you tried retorting the stem to see if you could dissolve whatever was causing your blockage? Realize you've probably already thought of this. Those early 'Woodies are fantastic, with lovely light wood and great construction. Congratulations, pal, you done good!
-- Pat

 

[captainsousie]

Thanks Pat. Hadn't actually thought of the retort yet so I'll give that a try. It's got a great, free draw so a retorting might do the trick to clean it for now even if it doesn't get the blockage cleared.
Another thing. The grain is terrible by today's standards but I know that was common in pipes of that age and "you can't smoke grain"...it's much better for making bread or feeding livestock.

 

[sablebrush52]

OK, I'm officially jealous. They don't come any better than this. Congratulations on getting such a wonderful pipe in such great condition!

Have you tried running a wire through the airway to open the blockage? I've done that on a couple of pipes, then followed up with alcohol soaked cleaners, left inside for an hour or so at a time, to soften the build up.

 

[pruss]

True story about the grain, but I've found those early Kaywoodies to be solid pieces, well drilled, with holes in all the right places, and good engineering; with remarkably light briar. Mind you, given that the wood is likely approaching 100 years old, the weight shouldn't shock me.
Jealous of your warden, brother. It's a beaut.
-- Pat

 

[rmason]

Congrats, I may not be a huge Churchwarden fan but this has got to be one of the better looking ones I've seen.

~Ron

 

[irish]

That is an awesome churchwarden!! I love Kaywoodies.

OK, I'm officially jealous

+1

 

[petes03]

Nice KW! Congrats!

 

[pstlpkr]

That's cool!

::

 

[captainsousie]

Thanks guys.
Stem seems to be clearing up too so I may be able to get this one done myself. The wire didn't get it too well but the alcohol soaked pipe cleaner while I was picking up my wifey from work seems to be doing some good.

Mind you, given that the wood is likely approaching 100 years old, the weight shouldn't shock me.

Hadn't weighed it yet but just did. Surprised me when it tipped the scales at 32g...that's right thirty-two grams for a group 3 churchwarden. This thing just amazes me. The only problem I foresee is that the bowl cant and bend is such that you can't see the bowl to light it and I sure as heck don't want to char a pipe that's survived this long. Time to install that mirror in my smoking area.

 

[trailspike48]

What a great score. Count me in on the jealous crowd. I recently aquired my first Kaywoodie and was suprised about how fantastic it smokes.
I'm also glad to hear the stem cleaning is going well.

 

[sablebrush52]

The only problem I foresee is that the bowl cant and bend is such that you can't see the bowl to light it and I sure as heck don't want to char a pipe that's survived this long.

One trick that I learned and use is to moisten the rim with a bit of saliva just before applying fire. It does work to mitigate the possibility of scorching.

 

[pruss]

One trick that I learned and use is to moisten the rim with a bit of saliva just before applying fire. It does work to mitigate the possibility of scorching.

Genius! Thanks for sharing that.
-- Pat

 

[plateauguy]

Thats a beaut! You just renewed my interest in a "real" churchwarden! I saw that one and thought about it, but was still on the fence when you won it. I love the simple, clean lines - a true classic.

 

[mso489]

Hope the airway problem resolves completely with your good ministrations. Churchwardens are

a fine addition to any stable of pipes. They are a sit-and-puff pipe. Don't busy around, just sit and

enjoy, with tamper and matches/lighter nearby, and maybe ashtray and tobacco for a re-fill. Nothing

puts me in the mood to ruminate profound subjects like the churchwarden. You don't need many; one

or two (or three?) will do. I highly recommend them for anyone who has resisted this pipe.

 

[ejames]

Cool old KW!

 

[nsfisher]

Nice catch Cap. enjoy

 

[lqjones]

Love these old kaywoodies. That's a real beauty, congratulations. Just bought an old flame grain myself and I love these pipes. Definitely becoming a big fan of these oldies.