An email pinged into my inbox a few weeks ago, sent by a fellow member of the Briars & Bull Pipe Club here in Kitchener. He had, he said, an old Dunhill pipe he’d like to have cleaned up, and would I be interested in tackling the project for him?

I said yes, of course, and soon after I had the patient in hand. The owner was right – it was an OLD Dunhill, though exaclty how old would take a bit of research. At first glance, the pipe looked good, but in the way that an old, well-worn tuxedo looks good – far from pristine, a bit thin at collar and cuffs, but still a great suit. Someone had given this old suit – er, I mean pipe – a brushing up. The stummel had been polished up, and the replacement stem showed a few tooth dents but fit well…