From the ashes...restored to another life

1st time poster and restorer.
As a wet shaver and pipe smoker, I delve into multiple hobbies. Pipe restoration has been one I have done for many years. When I find old but restorable pipes, I will pick them up, clean/restore them and then give them to Senior citizens who are living on fixed incomes, especially the veterans (of which I am one).
The other day I was visiting an old gentleman (and he is truly a gentleman of the highest order), who needed a couple old pipes restored. Before I left, he asked if I could fix a dripping faucet in his bathroom, which I did quick enough. While there I noticed that he had a very well "appreciated" shaving brush that was this side of worn out.

Back home I was restoring his pipes, and saw that one of them was burning out on the inside, no use in restoring it, but I had an idea. I cut off the stem, sanded the area to the correct dimensions, and bored out the bowl a bit to fit a knot I had, that had no home.

When I returned his cleaned up pipes (and a couple others) and presented him with his new brush, the old gentleman nearly had tears in his eyes.

This is what makes life worth living...

Humbly

Al in Colorado

Al,
You're a not only a good man, but a talented on also. I had to give up pipe smoking years ago and may have a few of them around. I'd be happy to send them to you if you think they'd be of use and give some pleasure to some folks. Don't know what I have, but if you're interested, I'll check.
m

Proof that there are still good folks in the world. Bravo.

Great story, I'd suggest reposting this in "the brown leaf" forum section. Many of our
members who frequent that area would appreciate that story.

Al,
Here's a pic of the pipes. They are, from top to bottom:

Lorenzo Rio
Savory's of Oxford
Savory's of Oxford (again)
Bari (I think)
Astley's 109 Jermyn Street
Skaal - hand carved Denmark (The only one of the 6 I remember smoking. Great pipe.)

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Wow that is a neat freakin' idea. Great job making that.

Very cool! (And a really good idea!)

accunlmtd, my hat off to you! You are a gentleman!

Useless shaver said:

accunlmtd, my hat off to you! You are a gentleman!

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A true gentleman. You represent what B&B is all about and the brush looks great!

First rate post. Your words were a joy to read and you've done a wonderful job turning something unusable but surely well-"appreciated", as you say, into a most handsome brush. Welcome to B & B.

This thread started with a post about two gentlemen of the highest order.

Excellent restore and story as well.

That is a great save. You are a true gentleman.

That is a very cool idea. How did you block the hole where the stem goes in?

Steve

Thanks for all the positive comments (blushing). We all do things to help our fellow man, because we know it is the right thing to do. We can all learn a lot from the older generation.
As to how I plugged the hole. I drilled it out a bit, then made up a mixture of glue and sanding dust, which pretty much matched the wood.
I plan to do severe more since it turned out so well.

Thanks
al in cColorado

I have a little token of thanks for the pipes you sent. They will make several senior citizens very happy.
I just had to thank you in an appropriate way.

A sneak peek...

humbly and with respect

al in colorado

accunlmtd said:

I have a little token of thanks for the pipes you sent. They will make several senior citizens very happy.
I just had to thank you in an appropriate way.

A sneak peek...

humbly and with respect

al in colorado

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Wow!! That's amazing. Thank you Al. I'm speechless...or rather keyboardless.

I am glad you like it. I dabble in a little metalworking as well. I just thought the art deco style fit, and I have a thing for "o-rings".
I hope it serves you well my friend

Al

Can't stop looking at it.

accunlmtd said:

I have a little token of thanks for the pipes you sent. They will make several senior citizens very happy.
I just had to thank you in an appropriate way.

A sneak peek...

humbly and with respect

al in colorado

View attachment 257320

Click to expand...

Al that is too cool!

Oakeshott have fun!