I’ve seen this before with very high condition, low use Lee pipes, but the one today that illustrates the phenomenon is a 1940s 4 hole stinger Kaywoodie Flame Grain I just got in the mail today.
Like all truly high grade pipes, this one didn’t have a hard varnish applied at the factory. But it was coated with something to protect it.
The protective coating had sort of glazed over 75 years and stripped off easily with 4/0 steel wool and Everclear. Although smoked, it cleaned up to completely new, with a bare, brown briar colored chamber. A pipe cleaner came out reddish brown from stain, probably the first one it’s ever had ran through it.
But the saliva from the original owner’s lips removed the coating in only a few bowls, so that applying Everclear instantly oxidized the bit on the stem.
Tonight I’ll get this pipe looking brand spanking new using Obsidian Oil, grapeseed oil and beeswax.
But I wonder what coating the factories applied to preserve the finish of high grade pipes?
My guess is some kind of wax.
But maybe somebody knows, exactly how they did it?
Like all truly high grade pipes, this one didn’t have a hard varnish applied at the factory. But it was coated with something to protect it.
The protective coating had sort of glazed over 75 years and stripped off easily with 4/0 steel wool and Everclear. Although smoked, it cleaned up to completely new, with a bare, brown briar colored chamber. A pipe cleaner came out reddish brown from stain, probably the first one it’s ever had ran through it.
But the saliva from the original owner’s lips removed the coating in only a few bowls, so that applying Everclear instantly oxidized the bit on the stem.
Tonight I’ll get this pipe looking brand spanking new using Obsidian Oil, grapeseed oil and beeswax.
But I wonder what coating the factories applied to preserve the finish of high grade pipes?
My guess is some kind of wax.
But maybe somebody knows, exactly how they did it?
