Very Early Comoy Pipe

[ChuckMijo]

I had the opportunity to purchase this. After some back and forth with the owner we agreed on a price. I know it’s a very early Henri Comoy. The nomenclature is very good. HC is also in a car touch . The chamber is heavily caked. I don’t know what lies beneath. I did lightly clean the stem to see it’s condition. Stem appears to be original . I did have some questions on the hole in the stem insert. Was this to thread it in? I don’t believe I will be restoring this one myself. I enjoy fixing them up but am no pro. I think this maybe a pipe that deserves a real pros work. I’m looking for any feedback . I’m not sure what direction to go in.

 

[donjgiles]

From Pipedia


London Made
Comoy’s were the first London pipe maker to use this phrase. It is the earliest stamp to be used and can be found from 1902 or perhaps earlier and on into the 1930s . At this time, it can appear as “LONDON” over “MADE” or in a straight line under "Comoy's" in script. From the twenties it can also appear as “LONDON” arched, and below “MADE” arched the other way. This stamp has the shape of an oval rugby-ball rather than a circle round shape. On these pipes the grade of the pipe (quality) is stamped in block letters under the "COMOY'S" stamp.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Thanks . I can date the pipe. 1904-1912. This is before Comoy put their name on the pipe. Just HC for Henri Comoy. The HC on the band inside a cartouch dates it after 1903 before 1913. I’m just more curious about the tendon with that hole? Is that how they did it back in then?

 

[donjgiles]

I am not sure. I will say there is a chance the tenon has been replaced, so that may not be a good indicator of the age of the pipe.

 

[jguss]

Is the bit slot or orific?

 

[ChuckMijo]

Is the bit slot or orific?

Slot

 

[sablebrush52]

I am not sure. I will say there is a chance the tenon has been replaced, so that may not be a good indicator of the age of the pipe.

Yeah, I was thinking that myself. I can't imagine that the original tenon would have left the factory with the thread showing. the purpose of the hole? Maybe to help the repairman screw in the tenon?

 

[sablebrush52]

The bit being a slot isn't definitive. Slotted bits were in use at the time this pipe was made. I've got three Barlings from 1907-8 that have semi-orific bits.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Thanks @sablebrush52! I wasn’t sure about the tendon. The previous owner thought it may be replaced as well. We did speak about it . The stem as far as I know is the original. The tendon I wasn’t sure.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Well I thought the hell with it. Why not fix the old girl up it’s just a pipe. I took the less is more mindset . Im happy with it.

 

[gamzultovah]

Im happy with it.

And that’s what counts. Looks great! What shape was the chamber in after cleaning?

 

[donjgiles]

Very nice clean up!

 

[mso489]

Nice job. That silver really perked up, and the Vulcanite and briar look great, and the reaming job looks gentle enough. Looks like it will be a fine smoker.

 

[ChuckMijo]

And that’s what counts. Looks great! What shape was the chamber in after cleaning?

Really good. No cracks, fissures. Solid . I really took my time and went slow.

 

[ChuckMijo]

I did not touch the silver. I absolutely won’t buff it. I ordered some silver jewelry wipes.

 

[gamzultovah]

Really good. No cracks, fissures. Solid . I really took my time and went slow.

Good to hear. Enjoy!

 

[samuelgawith01]

A real treasure. Fine job.Piece of history.

 

[bent1]

Amazing how well that pipe survived all these years. Nice clean up work too.

 

[trubka2]

Beauty! Let us know how it smokes.