By Al Jones

This is the third Comoy’s shape 126 that I’ve stored, but the first in Tradition finish.

The shape 126 is called a Large Pot in the Comoy’s catalog. This one has the drilled C stem logo and round Made in London COM. I would date the pipe from the 1950’s to the merger in 1981.

The pipe had some heavy tar build-up on the rim, but the beveled edge looked unharmed. The stem was oxidized with a few light teeth marks. Below is the pipe as it was received. The stem was very tight and not fully seated. After cleaning, that allowed the stem to fit flush.

I used a piece worn Scotch-Brite to remove the tars on the bowl top. The pipe was reamed of the very light cake and I found the bowl to be in excellent condition. The bowl was soaked with sea salt and alcohol.

Following the soak, I scrubbed the shank with a bristle brush dipped in alcohol, until it came out clean on a paper towel. The stem was mounted to remove the oxidation. I used 600, 800, 1,500 and 2,000 grade wet sandpaper. The stem was then buffed with White Diamond and Meguiars Plastic Polish. The bowl was buffed lightly with White Diamond rouge and several coats of Carnuba wax.

Below is the finished pipe. I’ve never been a Pot shape piper before, but this one I think will stay in my collection for the near future.