What's old is new again...
I've been into pipes since I got my first in my 30s. Despite being from Missouri, I didn't start with a cob. Like many a wayward youth, I lost my virginity to an unmarked basket pipe. Dyed a green so dark it almost appears black, the bent-stemmed poker still resides on my shelf, surrounded by pipes with much higher pedigrees.
In the early 2000's, I read an article about restoring pipes and my interest was piqued. In between overseas assignments I'd been repairing guns on the side, but the shop I worked through was gradually closing. What better time to fall down another rabbit hole of a work/hobby? Besides, I already had Everclear, an Opti-visor and sandpaper, so why not make the leap?
These years later, I have boxes, stacked on top of bins, stuffed under benches, all teaming with pipes. Not sure how many, as the numbers fluctuate, but somewhere well over 1000 beautifully neglected pieces of briar, meerschaum, morta and cob are awaiting their selection to either the dance floor or the dust bin.
So please browse through my wares. Let me know if you see something you like, and feel free to drop me a line if there's anything unique you're searching for. I probably have it in a box somewhere...
Enjoy!
Keith
