Savinelli Bulldog Before/After Resto

[danielplainview]

This poor old dog was left for dead. The only thing good it had going for it was pristine stampings. One can never have too many Savinelli bulldogs so I put it on the operating table and tried to save it.
The rim was a disaster. I knew I would have to give it a major topping and was afraid it would throw the proportions off, but after the beheading it turned out alright. I didn't have much hope for this one so I don't have any before pictures, except for a couple eBay shots.
Savinelli Oscar Aged Briar #623

 

[jkrug]

That resto turned out really well. It still looks great after being topped and you wouldn't know it was topped if you didn't see the before pic. Nice job. ::

 

[ssjones]

The bowl height looks fantastic! (and the finish!)

 

[yohanan]

Nice Job, Congrats!!! ::

 

[voorhees]

Again! Top Notch!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Your batting average is stratospheric!

 

[gloucesterman]

Doctor of Pipes!!!! Looks great and the topping didn't change the proportions.

 

[peteguy]

Your resto's always look fantastic. Can you give us an idea of the time you spent on this one?

 

[dmcmtk]

Dave, another great job, the pipe looks fantastic!

 

[aldecaker]

I think the bowl proportion actually looks better with that tiny bit shaved off. I like my bulldogs wide and squatty. Superb resto.

 

[elbert]

I can hear that pipe breathing a sigh of relief...awesome job, I love seeing what you guys can do.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Great job Dave! The pipe looks like new now! :clap:

 

[papipeguy]

You are a miracle worker. Nicely done, sir.

 

[danielplainview]

Thanks everyone. It turned out better than I thought it would.
@Peteguy, I do most of my work by hand so it takes a bit longer. I'm guessing I have about 5 hours in it.

 

[tuold]

Dave said:

...it turned out alright

A huge understatement! It's fantastic!

 

[brass]

Wonderful job. When I see these, I'm motivated to give restoration a try.
I gather that you shaved the rim to get rid of the darkening. What kind of tools were required? Pax

 

[dolomite128]

dave g,
I'm calling BS! That's not the same pipe!
ha! Just kidding...your work (along with your photography skills) is top notch.
Looks like a different and BRAND NEW pipe. Congrats!