Sam Martin pipes

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

I recently picked up a Sam Martin estate pipe in great condition. I just cleaned it and plan to take it for a spin today. I’ve searched the forum to see what info/reviews I could get on these pipes but haven’t found much more than they are loved and Sam was loved. Any thoughts on these pipes? Strangely, as beautiful as mine is, there is a black spot on the deeply sandblasted wood that doesn’t look like a stain but something inherent to the wood itself. Very weird! Haven’t seen this type of black mark on any other pipes!

 

[npod]

Pictures please. Sounds like the black spot might be a sand pit if it's small.

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

 

[milehighpiper]

That looks like a total burn out from here! I will do you the favor of taking it off your hands for $5 shipped. Just kidding, I have no idea what it is but that is a cool pipe. Reminds me of a female WWF/WWE wrestler, you know, pretty but rugged!

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

Burnout is what I thought at first, too! But there’s nothing on the inside of the bowl and in fact it has barely been smoked as best I can tell. Smoked it twice today and, besides being a bit heavy to clench, it has one of the nicer overall feels of all my bents. Would love to hear from other Sam Martin owners as to how they like their pipes.

 

[piffyr]

That's just a decent sized flaw in the briar that has been rusticated over. If you don't see anything in the chamber, don't worry about it, but keep an eye on it for discoloration just in case.
Sorry, I can't help you with info on Sam.

 

[crashthegrey]

He was a part time carver working out of his garage in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed in 1992. Seems he produced a good number of pipes, most very rustic and with leaves and other decoration carved around the rustication he favored. This looks to be one of his more plain pipes. That spot is probably just a flaw, it happens. If it doesn't extend into the chamber, no big deal but keep an eye on it. Smoke her slow and keep a nice layer of carbon and you should be good.

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

Update: I love this pipe. The spot remains but after 30+ smokes it hasn’t extended into the chamber. I feel blessed to have found this handmade gem. I wish I could describe the feel of it in my hand- all I can say is that it feels like a high end work of art, crafted with love. Seriously, it’s awedome. Thanks, S. Martin, for the time it took you to make this pipe. Wish I could tell you what a great job you did, and how much I’m enjoying your labor.