By Al Jones

This GBD 508 “International” was a relatively simple restoration. The stem was heavily oxidized and it had a few teeth ripples, but the bowl interior and shank were very clean. International grade pipes all appear to have black, plateau tops.

There was only a slight cake in the bowl, it was reamed and soaked with alcohol and sea salt. I put a dab of grease on the brass stem rondell and soaked it in a mild Oxy-Clean solution for several hours. Using a lighter flame, I was able to raise the tooth indentions. The stem was then sanded with 800 grit paper to remove the heavy oxidation. I didn’t take it all off at the stem junction, as I didn’t want to change the fitment. That was followed by 1500, 2000 grit paper and 8000 and 12000 grade micromesh sheets. The stem was then buffed with White diamond and Meguiars Plastic Polish.

The bowl was buffed lightly with White Diamond and several coats of Carnuba wax.

Below is the finished pipe.