1962 DUNHILL ROOT BRIAR BENT BULLDOG REFURB
Bonanzadriver
Master
As most of you out there know by now, I'm an admitted Bent Bulldog Fan. Ok, ok, borderline Bentbulldogaholic. 
As is often the case, I found myself surfin theinterweb last week and wound up on etsy and ebay. I found what was listed as a vintage Dunhill Estate Pipe.
After going back and forth on the offer / counter offer game I inadvertently "accepted" vs countering the second counter offer from the seller (damned fat fingers)
Although I felt as if I could have whittled him down another $20 or $30 I was ok with what I paid.
The pictures showed it being a pretty grunged up pipe with a rough bit. When It arrived I was generally pleased with the shape and style of the pipe but wow was it grungy. And the bit was awful.
After hours of reaming the bowl I went to work on the stem with files, micromesh, buffing compound and finally carnuba wax.
After getting the stummel cleaned up I realized that what I originally thought was a 60's or 70's pipe turned out to be a 1952!
* UPDATE ! *
After a courteous conversation with a fellow piper last night, I learned that I had inadvertently "mis-dated" my Briar.
It is missing the requisite Patent Numbers that would indicate that it is a 1952.
Turns out it is a 1962
Sorry bout the confusion on my part
* UPDATE ! *
I finally finished it up last night.
Before anyone gets their hopes up too high, I want to disclose that this is not a Museum quality briar. It was thoroughly used and was not treated as well as you or I might have.
In the end I'm happy with the way it turned out and am lookin forward to many years of piping pleasure.
Here's some befores....
And some afters...
As is often the case, I found myself surfin theinterweb last week and wound up on etsy and ebay. I found what was listed as a vintage Dunhill Estate Pipe.
After going back and forth on the offer / counter offer game I inadvertently "accepted" vs countering the second counter offer from the seller (damned fat fingers)
Although I felt as if I could have whittled him down another $20 or $30 I was ok with what I paid.
The pictures showed it being a pretty grunged up pipe with a rough bit. When It arrived I was generally pleased with the shape and style of the pipe but wow was it grungy. And the bit was awful.
After hours of reaming the bowl I went to work on the stem with files, micromesh, buffing compound and finally carnuba wax.
After getting the stummel cleaned up I realized that what I originally thought was a 60's or 70's pipe turned out to be a 1952!
* UPDATE ! *
After a courteous conversation with a fellow piper last night, I learned that I had inadvertently "mis-dated" my Briar.
It is missing the requisite Patent Numbers that would indicate that it is a 1952.
Turns out it is a 1962
Sorry bout the confusion on my part
* UPDATE ! *
I finally finished it up last night.
Before anyone gets their hopes up too high, I want to disclose that this is not a Museum quality briar. It was thoroughly used and was not treated as well as you or I might have.
In the end I'm happy with the way it turned out and am lookin forward to many years of piping pleasure.
Here's some befores....
And some afters...
Comments
ka9ffj, I did not heat the stem. I had not even heard of doing this until tonight. Had only ever seen it done on the briar itself to raise the grain on dents.
I filed it on both the top and underside, micromeshed the file marks, buffed it with compound on the variable speed jewelry polisher I have and then waxed it with carnuba, on the polisher.
Welp Pipe Fans, it turns out that although I may have developed an ability of refurbin these beautiful ol briars, I am quite inept at dating them.
I had missed the line, while reading the dating guide, about Dunnies having patent numbers up through 1955 or so.
So, this means that my lil Bent Bulldog is actually a 1962.
Sorry to have mislead anyone here.
It doesn't diminish my love of the pipe, the style or the brand. (just my faith in myself for reading comprehension)
Definitely a fulfilling endeavor.
I have a good friend that has a saying... "Everyone Has a Story"
My take on it is... "Every Pipe Has a Story"
Happy Thanksgiving bud
After admiring my handiwork, I know a little self congratulatory of me huh?, I got to noticing how neglected my other briars were a lookin. Finishes dull, stems hazy, etc... I decided to get out the stem polish and get em all spiffed up. And of course a little elbow grease on some of the stummels as well.
Now the entire stable is standin tall and ready for some tobacco goodness.