My latest estate lot had quite a few goodies and I found myself totally engulfed in my work, pipe after pipe, only pausing to take photos of my process. The next subject to hit my work desk, a Peterson Donegal Rocky 264. A more petite Pete then I would typically collect but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Donegal Rocky series. I have a new found respect for the Lovat shape, a mini version of the Canadian shape that I so love.

The Restoration  

Lightly smoked like many of the pipes in this lot, the chamber was free of any real build up and its silver band was tarnished. A little oxidation was present, as well as some light chatter, the Peterson’s “P” logo was present and accounted for, it seems it did not meet its demise as its counterparts did in this lot.

I tag-teamed the chamber with my PipNet and Castle Ford reamer, taking what little cake there was back to a suitable level. I then cleaned the internals with EverClear, stiff/soft pipe cleaners, makeup pads and Q-Tips, cleaning until my final pipe cleaner came out as it went in.

I gave the stummel and silver band a wipe down with Method Wood For Good Polish with a rag to remove the oils, dirt and debris. I left it aside to dry.

While the stummel dried I mixed Fiebing’s red and dark brown leather dye together, more red then brown and added a little EverClear to lighten the stain.

I applied a few coats of the stain with a brush and hit it with a Bic lighter to set the stain, removing the excess stain with an alcohol dampened rag.

After cleaning the silver band it was dull and had a few faint surface scratches. I taped off the shank with blue painters tape and buffed the band with tripoli, bringing back its shine.

I used caution when removing the oxidation from the stem, the “P” logo was in fine shape. Many of the pipe stem logos in this lot were buffed clean off or at least partially missing. I applied non-bleach Soft Scrub to the oxidized areas of the stem and let the Soft Scrub penetrate the oxidation. Once the Soft Scrub turned from white to a brownish color I scrubbed the area with a Q-Tip so not to disturb the logo. I usually use a rag to remove the oxidation but in fear of loosing the logo I went slow with a Q-Tip, I would have to repeat this a few times until all oxidation was removed.

There was some light chatter at the bit/lip area of the stem I used 400, 800 and 1000 grit sandpaper to remove the chatter. I then ran the stem though the various grits of micro-mesh.

Complete

 Finished up on the wheel with white diamond, a few coats carnauba and a micro-fiber hand buff. Buffing the stem with blue compound and carnauba.

Thanks For Stopping In

Tim.