Patent Era Pete In Tough Shape!

[MavErik]

Ok, long story short, I fell into the custody of what I believe to be a Patent Era 304 System pipe that is probably the worse condition I have ever seen for a bowl. Clearly this is not an "easy fix". Problem is, these vintages don't show up every day. I have no aspirations to restore it and sell it. I would love to overcome the challenge (if possible) and keep it. The stem is rough, but salvageable.

Would greatly appreciate any insight you might have on the best path forward. FYI, the cream colored material around the cracks is some kind of "pipe mud" from the previous owner. I removed the majority of it. I haven't done anymore to it awaiting your comments.

 

[PA Piper Mike]

Kidding aside, that's in some rough shape. Maybe there is, but my gut feeling is there's no saving that. I'll be watching to see other comments to this, because I am curious.

 

[didimauw]

I've seen reborn pipes I believe do the tiny tiny pins before....if you are good with micro drill bits!

 

[Chasing Embers]

 

[MavErik]

I've seen reborn pipes I believe do the tiny tiny pins before....if you are good with micro drill bits!

I took a look at his projects using micro drills after you mentioned it. Not sure if that would work for these size cracks. I am wondering if there is a good way to soften the briar enough to "squeeze" the crack to get a pin to hold or ?

 

[didimauw]

I took a look at his projects using micro drills after you mentioned it. Not sure if that would work for these size cracks. I am wondering if there is a good way to soften the briar enough to "squeeze" the crack to get a pin to hold or ?

You're right, those are fairly deep cracks.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

I know little about pipe repair but I think that briar has had it. The person responsible obviously wasn’t looking at it as a collectors item. Looks like it’s smoking days are most likely over. ️

 

[MavErik]

I know little about pipe repair but I think that briar has had it. The person responsible obviously wasn’t looking at it as a collectors item. Looks like it’s smoking days are most likely over. ️

i believe you and others might be right. I am contemplating giving it a good cleaning and a bit of a polish (careful not to remove the stamps) and call it a day. Might make for a good conversation piece in my office.

 

[mikethompson]

That pipe has served several masters well. I say polish and retire it.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I have no idea how to solve that massive crack, but if you do I’d love to see the after pics.

 

[PA Piper Mike]

Judging by the other responses, you'd have a better shot at fixing the marriage of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

 

[verporchting]

Yup, done. Very, very done.

 

[mingc]

It's dead. Let it rest in peace.

 

[orlandofurioso]

 

[MavErik]

That pipe has served several masters well. I say polish and retire it.

Well said sir. I have always had a pull towards pipes since I was in my teens. Only now as I approach 50, am I realizing how much personal history is locked in each estate briar. I have never bought a new pipe. I somehow never find one with as much character as the estates have.

Thank you everyone for the quick replies and quality insight.

This Patent Era Pete will be retired with honors. Final pics forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

 

[Streeper541]

Get yourself one of these because that pipe is toast.

 

[spearheadbill]

That’s a paperweight about now.

 

[WerewolfOfLondon]

How does a pipe even get that bad? Surely you stop smoking it when it gets about half way as bad as that. Seemingly not.

 

[MavErik]

How does a pipe even get that bad? Surely you stop smoking it when it gets about half way as bad as that. Seemingly not.

Totally agree! Shame someone didn’t take action on it when the cracks first developed.

 

[ThermionicScott]

If you really wanted a challenge, you could probably bore it for a meerschaum (or just briar) liner and then do a leather wrap to help seal it up.

Sometimes it's freeing to work on stuff that's beyond saving, the pressure is off, and you can experiment and work on technique. Like med students working on cadavers or something.