The next pipe on the worktable came to me in November 2021 when my wife and I were on a road trip. As we were cruising through Des Moines, Iowa on I-70, we saw the sign for the Brass Armadillo – a huge antique mall. We decided to stop and see what treasures we could …
Continue reading New Life for a Barontini Lite 22 Italy Bent Dublin
This will be my last pipe restoration of 2025 and officially declared to be a ‘Pipe for Christmas’ because of the festive vibe it invites. The ruby red finish, the gold band and the black acrylic stem – all shout, ‘Merry Christmas!’ with promises of a bowlful of Christmas blend. My wife and I will …
Continue reading A Pipe for Christmas – An Yves of St. Claude Made in France 55
This is the third pipe Justin commissioned destined to be a gift for one of the fellows in his church home group or perhaps to his father. I came upon these pipes from Bulgaria in August 2021 and why did Justin want these 4 pipes found on the same pipe picking expedition in the coastal …
The next pipe on the worktable is the second of 4 pipes commissioned by Justin who is a fellow follower of Jesus and lives in Alabama. These 4 pipes Justin commissioned are gifts for 3 good friends in his church home group. The other pipe is going to Justin’s father. I told the full story …
Continue reading The Second Gift of Four From Bulgaria: A Denicotea Absorba 2164 Bent Rhodesian
The next four pipes on the worktable were commissioned by pipeman Justin from the great state of Alabama. Justin should receive a reward for being the most stalwart Pipe Dreamer that I know! His fame comes from his pipe dreaming when he commissioned what I called a ‘Bless his heart’ pipe. I would say, Justin …
Continue reading The First of Four Gifts From Bulgaria: A Prince Amled Danmark Freehand Pickaxe
I’m thankful for the Pipemen and women who wait patiently for their commissioned pipes to make their way to the worktable. After ‘officially’ retiring at the end of August, my wife and I continue to be as busy as ever. One of our most enjoyable avocations, which requires the patience of pipemen and women, is …
Continue reading New Life for a Rare, Early 1960s Kaywoodie ‘Tuckaway’ Standard 050B
The next pipe on the worktable was the second commission of pipeman Bill from the state of Georgia who works as a Control System Engineer contracted to the Department of Energy. Bill has commissioned a few other pipes from me, but the last was a challenge. I named the write up accurately because of the …
Continue reading Refreshing an AMPHORA X-tra 732 Made in Holland Blasted Pickaxe
The next pipe came to me as part of a Lot of 68 pipes in February 2019. The seller in West Hartford, Connecticut, had the Lot on the auction block and my bid won the day. There were 3 pipes of the same unbranded series with the COM Italy that stood out with their ‘Seahorse’ …
Continue reading Refreshing a ‘Seahorse’ Rusticated Dublin of Italy
The pipe that is now on the worktable is truly a unique shape. It came to me from a pipeman who donated several pipes to benefit the Daughters of Bulgaria, now called, Spring of Hope. He was also thinning his collection and the benefactors of this are those seeking to commission pipes from the For …
Continue reading A Rim Rescue for a Tennessean Comeaux USA CC S 05 ‘Dublinesque’ Lovat
The Lot of 66, as I have called it, was probably my first large acquisition of pipes. I saw the Lot on eBay in September 2017. The by-line by the seller in Georgetown, Texas, was this: “Huge Lot of 66 Smoking Pipes, Pre-Owned, Pre-Smoked and Deeply Loved.” The final tag caught my attention. The seller …
Continue reading Reclaiming the legacy of a Comoy’s Made in London England P510 – D Billiard
The Pipe Steward 