Blog by Al Jones
The GBD 9438 in Virgin grade was near the top of my “Holy Grail” list. two years ago, I found and restored one with a Perspex stem (that article is in the archives here). I prefer a Vulcanite stem and finally won an Ebay auction for a suitable example. My collecting strategy is that once a pipe from my list is acquired, to keep an eye out for a pipe in better condition. The pipe arrived in very good condition, with a few bumps in the briar and an oxidized stem. This restoration required two repairs I had not yet completed.
The pipe as received, show a lot of potential.
The tenon had a “bullet” shaped head, which is similar to another GBD in my collection, a Virgin 28D with a “Hand Cut” stamp on the stem. Unfortunately the stem on the 9438 does not have this stamp. The draft hole in the tenon was curiously very small, not like any GBD I had ever encountered. The opening was so small, a pipe cleaner could barely pass through. Testing the draft, there was no way that this would smoke well. It appeared as if something was in the standard hole. I explored carefully with a drill bit and discovered that the material was made of wood. It appeared that someone had inserted a wooden plug into the tenon and then drilled it. Fortunately, the wood piece came out easily and the pipe now passes a stem straight into the bowl. Here you can see the plug. I have no idea why someone would think that this was a good idea and I can’t imagine the pipe smoked well.
And the tenon with the plug removed.
There were two creases in the otherwise unmarked briar. I thought they would come out with some steam. Using a heated kitchen knife and a piece of wet cloth, folded over four times, the creases came out nicely. Here you can see the before and after pictures. The steam lightens the briar somewhat, but buffed and waxed it comes right back.
The bowl had only a very light cake, I’m guessing the pipe was put aside before much use. I soaked the bowl in some sea salt and alcohol. The stem was also soaked in a mild solution of Oxyclean with a dab of grease on the brass rondell. I buffed the bowl lightly with White Diamond and then several coats of Carnuba wax, carefully working away from the stamped nomenclature, which was in very good condition.
The stem had a very heavy coat of oxidation. I started with 800 grit wet paper, than worked up to 1000, 1500 and 2000. I then used the 8000 and 12000 grades of Micromesh. The stem was then buffed lightly with White Diamond rouge. Here is the pipe after using the 800 grit paper.
The few teeth scratches came out but the stem had an odd kink and not the standard graceful curve. I inserted a cleaner into the stem and warmed the vulcanite with heat from the flame of a propane torch. There is probably a less risky way to heat the vulcanite, but that is what I had in my shop. The stem was slowly moved back into it’s original position. I was tempted to let well enough alone, but I think the pipe looks much better with the correct stem bend.
Below is the finished pipe. I’m very pleased with this Virgin 9438. The wood is flawless and or a GBD, it has decent grain.
rebornpipes 
Hi Al, that was a great tutorial. I realize this is an old thread but can you tell me what the difference is between a GBD 9438 and a Fleur de Lis (made in France)? I wondered if Fleur de LIs was a GBD but apparently not. They are very similar in shape. I ask because I fell in love with one on Ebay last week and lost it but I cant seem to learn anything about them. Thanks, Jamie
LikeLike
Hi Jamie, though I am not Al, I have a link that gives some info on the brand: http://www.pipephil.eu/logos/en/logo-f3.html I think there must be some link as the shape on the site I just posted is a GBD shape number. I wonder if it is not the French Branch of GBD
LikeLike
I agree. So many pipes of with various names came out of St. Claude, it’s hard to track all of them. I suspect that GBD pulled bowls at various stages and funneled them to seconds makers.
LikeLike
Thanks to both of you for a speedy reply! Yes, I found that link to Fleur de Lis as well but nothing else, so I would guess the same, that it was a seconds maker. Love that shape – I’ll be on the look out. Thanks again, Jamie
LikeLike
Wonderful restore and account! I have come to enjoy GBDs very much and own two, although the Large Billiard #9436 made for the Briar Patch stores is for sale on my site. The second is a Super Q Bent Billiard #9456. I also have a gigantic Digby 6 Panel that is a GBD second and an International Lovat #3751 is on its way from eBay. They’re great smokes.
LikeLike
Wonderful restore and account! I have come to enjoy GBDs very much and own two, although the large old billiard #9436 made for the Biiar Patch stores is for sale on my site. The second is a Super Q Bent Billiard 9456. A also have a gigantic Digby 6 Panel Pipe that is a GBD second. All are fantastic smokers. Then I have a GBD International Lovat 3751 on its way from eBay.
LikeLike
Thanks Robert, that one filled a special spot in my collection.
LikeLike
The end result is a very nice collectable….ready for any GBD collection.
LikeLike
Thanks,I have a seven day set of 9438’s. Tapestry, Seventy-Six, Century, Prehistoric, Flame Grain, Virgin (actually now 2) and New Standard.
LikeLike
Great job Al. What is the thin disc you use between the stem and the shank when sanding.
LikeLike
That is a little collar I made out of a plastic packaging box, with a hole cut for the tenon. It allows me to get the oxidation at the end of them, without rounding the stem or having water leach color out of the briar.
LikeLike
Great idea – I have used a metal washer for the same purpose but got away from it as it was too thick for some of the tenons that I was working on. I now use a block of ebony with mortises of different sizes drilled in it. I like your idea better.
How about writing that up as a suggested way of avoiding the rounding of the stem? It certainly would address one of my pet peeves with many refurbished pipes that I see on the forums and ebay
LikeLike
Sure. I need to find something to punch a proper hole in the plastic disc. I’ve been just cutting a square for the tenon, with an exacto knife. A punch would be neater and result in a more flat piece of plastic.
LikeLike
I have a hole punch for notebooks here that I have used to punch washers in the past from cardboard. I am going to give it a try this evening and see if it works
LikeLike
That might work.
LikeLike
Great find, nicely refurbished. This tops my ” FAVORITES ” list shape/manufacturer…congratulations!
LikeLike
Wow… That’s one of my top wish lists too. Well done sir
LikeLike