By Al Jones

Over the past 10 years, I’ve restored four Comoys of this shape 409 and the third Tradition finish. I’ve sold the others, but perhaps this one stays in my collection? The drilled, 3 piece stem dates it to the 1946 to 1981 pre-Cadogan era.

This one was in great shape, with an oxidized, but otherwise, nearly perfect stem. There was a heavy cake in the bowl and some build-up on the bowl top. Below is the pipe as it was delivered.

I reamed the cake from the bowl, and found a very nice bowl interior, with no issues. The bowl was soaked with alcohol and sea salt. Following the soak, I scrubbed the shank with a bristle brush dipped in alcohol. I used a piece of worn scotch-brite to remove the build-up on the bowl top.

The stem was mounted and I removed the oxidation with 600, 800, 1500 and 2000 grade wet paper, followed by 8,000 grade micromesh (sheet). The stem was then buffed with White Diamond and Meguiars Plastic polish.

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

Below is the finished pipe.