By Al Jones

This is the second British made bent billiard that I’ve restored this month.  This pipe, a GBD 539 Prehistoric.  This is only the second shape 529 that I have owned.  Looking thru my catalogs, I found several examples of the shape.  The example shown below, in Granitan finish is from the 1981 catalog.

Sandblasted Prehistoric pipes came with a Perspex or Vulcanite stem.  I prefer the vulcanite.

The pipe as delivered was in pretty good condition.  It had a slightly faded finish and a mildly oxidized stem, as shown below.

I used a worn piece of scotchbrite to remove the oxidation on the polish bowl rim.  The pipe was the soaked with alcohol and sea salt.  The sank was thoroughly cleaned with a bristle brush dipped in alcohol, until it came out clean.

I mounted the stem and removed the oxidation with 600, 800, 1,500 and 2,000 grade wet paper.  It was then buffed with White Diamond and Meguiars Plastic Polish.

I used a paper towel dipped in a diluted solution of Fieblings Medium Brown stain to refresh the briar. It was lightly buffed with carnuba wax to revive the shine.

Below is the finished pipe.  I was pleased to discover that it passes a thin cleaner.