@KA9FFJ; When I started pipe smoking in about 1964 or so I smoked Amphora. You could send in a coupon and a few bucks and buy one of the shapes offered. I had three at one time, got two left. They are OK smokers. The tobac isn't bad as I recall.
@opipeman Used to smoke some of the Amphora blends. I really don't know why I drifted away from them. Need to give them a try again. I was happy to find that pipe not only because of the price, but also nostalgia. Guess that means I'm getting (I am) old...👴
@KA9FFJ That is one ugly ass pipe--even looking past the condition it's in, it's still damn ooogly! Something about the finish and/or texture of it, I don't know. But I'll certainly be interested to see what you can do with it...if anyone can fix ugly, you can!
And here I was thinking it didn’t look too bad for a sandblasted pipe. I’m not sure of the bowl condition though. I see inside cracks, but they may only be in the cake….otherwise, it’s got some internal charring issues. It will be nice to see how it turns out.👍🏻
Well, I told you might be a while before I get to that pipe because of Christmas. For example, I spent most of my day Thursday, and 4 hours yesterday putting the grandkids GEO TRACKS together for their Christmas vacation here...
Next was the internals. Had to use a wire to push through the stem (almost totally blocked)... then I lightly sanded the stummel, continued cleaning with wood soap and then a vigorous alcohol scrub. The stummel was very dirty and coated with grim. I also started working on the rim. Going to need some work there, and at this point, I don't even want to look at the stem!😏 FYI: Only 2 of those are regular pipe cleaners. The rest are bristled pipe cleaners (greatly needed)...
Bad news: Two areas on the inside of the rim were severely charred. My only alternative was to flange the inside rim down to good briar. Obviously he allowed his lighter to habitually pause over those 2 spots upon each light/relight, causing the deep charring. I did try to match the original stain on the stummel. For those who are interested, I finally found a good combination: 30 drops of Buckskin with 1 drop of Oxblood... Anyway, here's the final:
@KA9FFJ that turned out fantastic. My Grandfather smoked Amphora pipes. The one I still have from him is a solid little pipe and it smokes amazing. Keep posting those before and after pictures love seeing them.
Son and his wife visited her side of the family all day yesterday, so in their absence, I decided to work on a pipe. These 3 pipes I acquired were really in bad shape. All are Dr Grabows...
Long story short: I turned a new stem, reamed and cleaned the stummel inside and out, including the rim. Restained, waxed, buffed and polished and here it is now...
Now to the stummel. I'm sure someone out there likes this style, but if it wasn't for my passion to save pipes, I probably would have left this one alone. Although mechanically, it's really a well made pipe, and a very generously sized pot...
@KA9FFJ It’s interesting that on the last one they drilled out two divots and filled them. I would have thought they would have just continued with the rustication, strange. I was kinda looking forward to one of your rustication work-overs on it. The stem turned out great.
@RockyMountainBriar Yea, I noticed that too, and I have no explanation except for drilling out and plugging bad sand pits.?.? Thanks for the compliment on the stem. Much appreciated...
Comments
When I started pipe smoking in about 1964 or so I smoked Amphora. You could send in a coupon and a few bucks and buy one of the shapes offered. I had three at one time, got two left. They are OK smokers. The tobac isn't bad as I recall.
Used to smoke some of the Amphora blends. I really don't know why I drifted away from them. Need to give them a try again.
I was happy to find that pipe not only because of the price, but also nostalgia. Guess that means I'm getting (I am) old...👴
Those were good blends. I also drifted away. I think they are still available, I may have to try them again, meself.
That is one ugly ass pipe--even looking past the condition it's in, it's still damn ooogly! Something about the finish and/or texture of it, I don't know. But I'll certainly be interested to see what you can do with it...if anyone can fix ugly, you can!
Stem completed...
I did try to match the original stain on the stummel. For those who are interested, I finally found a good combination: 30 drops of Buckskin with 1 drop of Oxblood...
Anyway, here's the final:
Much much much better! Nice work!
Your grandkids are lucky to have an example and the memories you provide. That Amphora has a new lease on life. Well done all around!
These 3 pipes I acquired were really in bad shape. All are Dr Grabows...
You're preserving America...one pipe at a time!
Amazing work, Brother!
It’s interesting that on the last one they drilled out two divots and filled them. I would have thought they would have just continued with the rustication, strange. I was kinda looking forward to one of your rustication work-overs on it. The stem turned out great.
Yea, I noticed that too, and I have no explanation except for drilling out and plugging bad sand pits.?.?
Thanks for the compliment on the stem. Much appreciated...