Breaking in a smallish refurbished circa 1905 Albert Baker & Co gold plate-rimmed gourd calabash with a little SPC Mississippi River. I had no idea what to expect. The bowl had an incredible amount of cake -- to the point that the draft hole was barely distinguishable. After some very slow and delicate reaming, I finished with a bit of sandpaper, but found that the draft hole was minuscule, so I risked opening it up a couple notches. I also added a slot to the button of the oval orific stem. Being capped at both ends, it's not possible to assess the inside of the gourd, but maybe it's better I don't know. I once restored a WDC Campaign with a removable briar bowl and the inside was a disgusting layer of tar. It's a truly handsome pipe with beautiful color from a lifetime or three of smoking.
How'd it smoke? Really well!!! I'm very pleased. I feel like I stole it for $27 shipped from Canada.