What is this? And how do I restore it?

[gregk]

Hey Guys!

This is my first post! My son just returned from a trip to Europe and he picked up this strange pipe in Portugal. The antique dealer said he thought it was African origin.

1. What kind of a pipe is this? And what is it's origin?

2. How do I restore it? You can see that the pipe shank was drilled in two pieces. I cannot get a pipe cleaner through the hole and have it turn the corner. It's been smoked, but I don't think it's ever been cleaned due to the difficulty in running anything through the bend. The draw is very tight due to being mostly gummed up.

3. Is it destined to just be a shelf piece? lol.

Thanks much!
~g

 

[MilesDavis]

Hey Guys!

This is my first post! My son just returned from a trip to Europe and he picked up this strange pipe in Portugal. The antique dealer said he thought it was African origin.

1. What kind of a pipe is this? And what is it's origin?

2. How do I restore it? You can see that the pipe shank was drilled in two pieces. I cannot get a pipe cleaner through the hole and have it turn the corner. It's been smoked, but I don't think it's ever been cleaned due to the difficulty in running anything through the bend. The draw is very tight due to being mostly gummed up.

3. Is it destined to just be a shelf piece? lol.

Thanks much!
~g

Ummm....

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Cleaning with a retort might be the only way.

 

[Chasing Embers]

 

[georged]

Looks like someone was inspired by Olie Sylvester

Available — OomPaul

oompaul.com

 

[Hillcrest]

I suspect that shank separates from the pipe at the second joint but I wouldn't want to break it. Try running some hot/warm water through it to start. Maybe the salt and alcohol method (check youtube) for bowl. It looks like african darkwood which is one of the hardest and most dense in the world; perhaps like morta ??? Or send it out for restoration and let them figure it out !

 

[mso489]

You could certainly clean it, but how would you do that on a regular basis to smoke it? I don't think it's worth the bother except as a conversation piece. It's poorly designed and not worth the effort.

 

[anotherbob]

certainly has a African aesthetic too it.

 

[newbroom]

It's kind of like a Tyrolean pipe I have in that it's got multiple joints in the shank.
Any bent pipe is typically a little more difficult to maintain. As long as you can keep an airway, and reasonably goop free, I see no reason why this couldn't be used. I think it's foldable for a vest pocket?

 

[Chasing Embers]

certainly has a African aesthetic too it.

Yep

 

[Hillcrest]

@gregk

It appears they are called elbow-bend pipes and are for tobacco smoking. There is information available if you choose to download it for further information.

African Smoking and Pipes on JSTOR

John Edward Philips, African Smoking and Pipes, The Journal of African History, Vol. 24, No. 3 (1983), pp. 303-319

www.jstor.org

 

[anotherbob]

Yep

View attachment 168520View attachment 168521

which by no means indicates authenticity. Also could have gone with looks like the results of a german clay pipe getting drunk and waking up next to a falcon.

 

[gregk]

You Guys are amazing! Thanks for all the info and help!
Cheers!
~g

 

[Chaukisch]

I've never seen a pipe shaped like that, it looks amazing!
Like a rune you'd carve in stone. But as other members already said, that can't be fun to clean
and especially not regularly. Maybe with pressured air...
I'd put it in a special place as a decoration piece. I know I'd love to pick it up every now and then to adore it.

 

[Hillcrest]

Yep

View attachment 168520View attachment 168521

Its Louie !!

 

[mawnansmiff]

I believe what you have there is a 'chinrester' pipe....never seen one in the flesh myself, only pictures.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Shelf piece!

I'd wash the exterior with warm water and detergent if needed. Dry, then apply a coating of mineral oil. Place on pipe holder on shelf.

 

[kcghost]

Welcome from KC and good luck with your pipe!