To Stem or not to Stem

[sallow]

So I bought this estate, a Stanwell horn Sixtus shape 213. One of the reasons I bought it is because it is a small pipe, at about 4.5 inches, and I like small pipes. I also like Stanwells. I got it for a steal, in my opinion.
I was excited because I had never seen this particular shape come in under six inches. The reason why, I realize now, is because the stem does not belong to the pipe. The stem belongs to a small straight sixtus and must have been switched out at some point.
I have no desire to return the pipe. I have smoked the pipe, it smokes well and is balanced fine. Part of me though, feels that I am missing that graceful Danish line that should be there if the stem was original as the carver intended.
So should I have a new, shorter bent stem made? Should I have the impostor stem bent to fit the lines of the pipe? Any experts care to chime in?

 

[pagan]

Not an expert, but I like it as it is, although it would be interesting to see the original stem, Ugh Im torn

 

[texmexpipe]

Smoke it and enjoy, unless your pipes are an investment for you or you are a stickler about the details I'd say don't stem it. Beautiful pipe by the way!

 

[puffy]

It looks great as is.No need for a new stem.

 

[jndyer]

My vote would be to enjoy it as is, so far that makes a vote of 3 vs. 0 to keep it as is and enjoy away.

 

[beefeater33]

So should I have a new, shorter bent stem made? Should I have the impostor stem bent to fit the lines of the pipe?

Sallow- I think you meant a LONGER bent stem made? If it was mine, I would compromise, use a little heat and bend the stem to the desired shape......... It will be a bit short, but if you got it for a steal, why not?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Sallow- I think you meant a LONGER bent stem made? If it was mine, I would compromise, use a little heat and bend the stem to the desired shape......... It will be a bit short, but if you got it for a steal, why not?

My thinking exactly. That stem would be perfect with a slight bend.

 

[sallow]

Thanks, but I don't feel qualified to attempt a stem bend myself.
I had a bowl of mac baren club blend in this today, sort of a double danish. I think I'm going to leave it as is, it is a good smoker.

 

[drwatson]

Does it match up okay,except for being straight? Maybe it was supposed to be straight? But If it were me (and I can be anal) I would have one made. Only cause everytime I would look at it I would say to myself "something just is not right"

 

[drwatson]

But I love the shape of that pipe!

 

[snagstangl]

here is the slight bend

 

[sallow]

It matches up fine and the stem is not loose.
I like the incorrect stem because it makes it a short pipe, the proper stem makes the pipe too long for my taste.
What a nice line though, with the proper stem. Thanks snagstangl.

 

[jmill208]

Crazy how well the 'wrong' stem matches up.
I wouldn't have even questioned it. It smokes great, keep it.

 

[blueeyedogre]

I'm also a fan of short pipes and if that lovely was mine I'd heat up some water, soak the stem (removed from the pipe) and as a slight bend into it. That would be a sexy short pipe.