A member of the Brothers of Briar pipe forum contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in restoring a GBD Collector Prehistoric Cavalier shape pipe.  I always ask for pictures before committing, so I know what I’m getting into.  When I viewed the pictures, and my asnswer was an easy “yes” as the pipe looked to be in very good condition and the shape was very interesting.   I had never handled a GBD Cavalier to this point.  Typically the GBD Cavalier shapes have the flat, hexagonal screw-off bowl bottom.

As I opened the packaging I was first struck by the polished state of the bowl.  The pipe may have been smoked, but I would guess for literally only minutes.  The interior of the bowl was a finely polished as any smooth briar pipe.  The machine chuck mark are still visible inside the bowl.  I cleaned some of the tobacco/smoking marks from interior with a piece of worn micromesh cloth.

Examining the stem, it appeared to be of a very high quality and definitely far better finished than any GBD stem I had ever seen.  So, as I turned it over, I wasn’t surprised to see the elusive “Hand Cut” stamp.  I have one GBD with this stamp and while it is an excellent stem it is not quite as well finished as this one.  The stepped tenon is very nicely funneled and the button end is as good as any artisan pipe I’ve handled or owned.

Unfortunately, examining the briar, there appeared to be a crack at the end of the shank.  Using a lighted, magnified jewelers loupe, I was surprised (and relieved) to find that a chunk of the inner area of the shank must have broken off.   The chip of briar was fingernail sized and someone had glued it back in place.  Fortunately, they did a good job and stem fitment was not compromised.   You can see the repair here at the one o-clock position.  The owner of the pipe intends to keep it unsmoked but I think it would hold up fine to moderate use.  Particularly since the cavalier shape really doesn’t require stem to be removed.

The stem looked so clean, I didn’t bother to take any before pictures.  However there was a fair amount of oxidation that needed to be removed.  I started with 800 grit wet paper, moved thru the 1500 and 2000 grades.  Then it was finished with the 8000 and 12000 grades of micromesh.  The stem was then buffed with white diamond and a final polish with red jewelers rouge.    Care had to be taken around the “Hand Cut” stamp

Below is the finished pipe.