Should I have this 1950 Dunhill Shell Restored? (Pic Heavy)

[dustintk]

Hello, I was looking to get everyone's opinion on whether or not I should have this dunhill refurbished. Do you guys think it's too far gone, or could it come out looking great? Thanks in advance!
Now for the fun part....THE PICTURES!
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[stvalentine]

After reading numerous refurb stories I still have to see the pipe that can´t be restored! I am sure this one will clean up nicely and being a Dunhill it´s sure worth it. If you don´t think so just send it to me.... :wink:

 

[xrundog]

I wish it was mine. Nice craggy blast, decent stem. Tooth wear looks pretty superficial. Stamps are sharp. I don't see much wrong with it. I'd have it looking almost perfect in a couple days.
Too far gone? It's not gone at all. Yeah, restore it.

 

[condorlover1]

Yep give it a restoration. It looks a lot better than one or two Dunhill's I have seen in the last 36 hours.

 

[stvalentine]

It looks a lot better than one or two Dunhill's I have seen in the last 36 hours.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[ivapewithfire]

I'd have to agree with stvalentine.
Just from what I've seen people do on these forums, that pipe is in good shape for restoration. I'd imagine there are more than a couple that could make it look brand new.
There was even some recent threads with recommendations for professionals that have done work for them recently.

 

[beefeater33]

Too far gone? It's not gone at all. Yeah, restore it.

Agree completely! Doesn't really need a restore, just a good clean, and maybe a bit of dye on the chips around the rim. Sometimes, to me anyway, the resto goes too far and loses the character of the pipe. I think a 65 year old pipe should resemble a 65 year old pipe. Just my 2 cents...

That is a fantastic old Dunhill BTW! :clap:

 

[plateauguy]

Looks pretty good for being 65 years old. By the way I was born in 1950, so I'm partial.

 

[brudnod]

Many of us have restored MUCH worse. The main problem is the stem and as xrundog has pointed out, the stem is rather easily restored. Great acquisition!

 

[snagstangl]

That looks in better than average shape for estate pipes. Maybe that is why I have a pile to be refurbed cause I buy the crappy ones... Oh i can fix that little problem, or it only has a few problems. Yeah I can but I never figure in the time.

 

[rcstan]

As long as the chamber is healthy, and nothing is broken, it should clean up just fine. I wouldn't restain or top the bowl, or anything of the sort, as it will take away from the character of the pipe.

Be gentle with it.

 

[dmcmtk]

Absolutely. That pipe could be made to look so nice you wouldn't recognize it. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, there are many competent professionals. That pipe is a winner.

 

[agnosticpipe]

I restored a Dunhill that was much worse than yours. Mine had a chunk missing from the bowl and many other issues. You should have no problem having that one restored, and I'm sure it will be a fine smoker.

 

[huntertrw]

dustintk:
I don't see anything there that some elbow-grease and loving attention (whether yours or a pipe-smith's) won't remedy. Just be certain to post the "after" images, and enjoy.
Good Luck!

 

[buroak]

I think you will have to win it first. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dunhill-1940-s-Shell-Pipe-Made-in-England-Pat-417574-34-/201285122091?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edd87382b
Unless, of course, it is your item for sale. If you are selling it, you should invest the time and effort to refurbish it. You will get a much better price.

 

[desertpipe]

Should not be a problem to restore this pipe....if you want to do it yourself, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have....and be very careful if that bit is stuck.

 

[literaryworkshop]

That's a very nice find, there. Can't wait to see it restored. It looks like it's just the bit that needs to be cleaned up, and you will probably even be able to salvage the original bit.

 

[klause]

8th picture down - is that a crack, or just the way the light is catching the blast?

 

[fnord]

Very good catch, Buroak.
Fnord

 

[clickklick]

If there are no cracks, restore!