Dr. Grabow Grand Duke 36S Restoration [Pic Heavy]

There are certain rules that have to be followed when dealing with highly collectible pipes and rarities. Those rules don’t necessarily apply to a pipe that has a value defined by something other than collectibility. Of course, you still want to stick as close as possible to the intention of the maker, but it’s liberating to be able to take off the cotton gloves, get in knuckle deep and do whatever is going to serve the pipe the best in the final result.

For example, parts of the damaged rim here were rebuilt using a color-matched resin. That’s not a technique that I would typically use on a higher priced pipe because there’s a chance that it would adversely affect its value as a collectible. In this case, however, it kept me from having to choose between noticeably altering the shape of the pipe (albeit only to eagle eyes) through topping or leaving very evident damage behind. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the results.

Holy moly you resurrected that thing from the dead. Very good work, I'm impressed. Who knew Grabows were hiding such lovely grain.

Great work

That is some beautiful restoration work.

That is amazing!

Superb, Congrats!!!

Your eye for detail is second to none. When looking at before/after pics, my eye is always drawn to the stem shank connection. And this one is seamless. Well done on the chamber repair.

Thanks for the kind words, gents!

Thanks, Dave. Those little details, like an unbroken line from stem to shank, make for a better looking pipe overall. Regarding the chamber, the inner rim was handled with just a bit of careful and creative shaping with a fine grit. Only the outer edges of the rim have been rebuilt.

Nice work Anthony. I'd smoke it!

Beautiful job. Many of those old Grabows had some really nice briar. You brought out the best on this one!

Beautifully done! I have a soft spot for Grabow's. It was my first briar and, other than a cob, it's what I grab for the most.

Beautiful restoration!