Thrift Shop Churchwarden Find, Restoration Heaven...

[threepipeproblems]

So I just walked into a local thrift store and this Churchwarden is laying there, marked 10$. The stem is heavily oxidized and the rim needs work, but I love restoration. I'm elated.

 

[mso489]

Impressive design, nice balance. It looks prime for resto.

 

[threepipeproblems]

My thoughts exactly! However, there is nothing left of the button if there ever was one. The tip appears to be just smooth. I have to decide if I want to carefully file and sand a new button. Thoughts? I can take pic if needed.

 

[briarcudgel]

You can heat the area of where the button should be and push the end straight down on a flat surface to get the stem to bulge a button on the end. Then you can shape it. It is certainly not without risk, but if you are careful it can be done.

 

[threepipeproblems]

Here's the tip where the button should be...

 

[threepipeproblems]

Thanks for the tip! Pun emphatically intended. I'll post photos of my progress. I got the bowl in a salt/alcohol treatment now while I'm working on the stem.

 

[briarcudgel]

Good luck. Can't wait to see pics.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Depending on how much 'meat' there is left at the end of the stem a new bit could easily be formed with judicious use of needle files.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[papipeguy]

Are there any other markings on the pipe. Peterson made/makes a Professor and I found one that was made in England. The Genuine Briar suggest to me that it could be American. Nonetheless, it's a cool pipe. Good luck with your restoration.