Re-Cutting Vulcanite Stem?

[samanden]

I have a question for pipe makers and repairers: Is it possible to re-cut an existing vulcanite stem? I recently sent in a pipe stem to have the tenon replaced. I dropped it, and the tenon snapped off in the mortise. When my stem was repaired and sent back, I noticed it looked completely different; new bit and new button, but still vulcanite. When I called to inquire, the repair man couldn't remember my pipe exactly, but insisted that if he made a new stem he would have returned the original. My receipt only indicates a tenon repair, not a stem replacement. I didn't get far with this fellow (he wasn't all that helpful), so I decided to get y'all's thoughts. I'm curious because the pipe is a Stanwell handmade from the sixties. The stem was original too with the Stanwell "S" stamp. The stamp is no longer there. It was a shallow stamp to begin with, which could have been buffed out during repair. I'd like to know if it's possible that I still have my original stem, just reshaped.
Thanks,

Sam

 

[pitchfork]

It's hard to say what happened, but it's even worse that the repair guy doesn't know what was done to your pipe (and couldn't find out).

 

[mso489]

This was the man who supposedly repaired the pipe who can't remember? I don't believe that. Since he isn't

saying what happened, I can only surmise that he wasn't happy with it and feels responsible, but doesn't want

to tell you about it. So my best guess (which is all I can do) is that it was a simple repair that he somehow botched

and then went ahead and made a new stem, and is now suffering from "oops" amnesia. I'd go ahead and enjoy

the pipe, and find a different pipe repairman.

 

[samanden]

Yeah, the stem works well. In fact, it's more comfortable than the original. I just wish I could have held onto the stem that came with the pipe. Thanks for your advice fellas.
SA

 

[samanden]

I did some research and it looks like one could indeed recut an existing stem. It also looks like this happens primarily with vulcanite stems. I found this information on a blog called "reborn pipes." I'm leaning more toward the theory that I still have my original stem, just reworked/reshape with the stamp buffed out in the process. I'll try to reach out to the repair guy again and get some clarity. I'll keep y'all posted.

 

[samanden]

Yes, ae1pt, I do believe the stem is slightly shorter than what I remember. In fact, I noticed that when it was returned to me. I can also tell that some work was done to the tenon; it appears to have been glued on and sanded smooth. This would make sense because the damaged tenon was less than a perfect break. The excess would have had to be removed in order to attach a new tenon, which would have affected the stem stamp.
Thanks for the advice, ae1pt. I'm more convinced that I have my original stem. I still plan to give the repair guy a call to be certain. If it is a reworked stem, he did a wonderful job. Now if I can just find someone who can replace stem logos...