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Old 03-15-2010, 02:14 PM   #5
Mister Moo
I barely grok the obvious
 
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Default Re: What did I buy??

Cleaning a used pipe can get complicated but most folks start with:

a. reaming/scraping crud out of the bowl assuming it's briar; or
b. same if it's meerschaum only REALLY carefully to avoid cutting into the clay; and
c. cleaning the pipestem with bristle pipecleaners dipped in 91% isopropyl alcohol, Everclear or the high-proof booze; and
d. probably destinking/sanitizing the bowl*, also with 91% isopropyl or booze.

Cleaning a used pipe just depends on stuff but - botton line - you oughta clean the thing out well.

You pix look like the pipe has already been cleaned, was well cared for or only lightly smoked. If the bowl smells sweet, just remove the pipestem and clean it with a bristle pipecleaner dipped in rubbing- or drinking alcohol. Some pipes have screw-in stems which, I believe, your Milano does. Back the stem out carefully by turning counterclockwise; if it turns out not to be threaded, always remove and reinstall the stem by turning it clockwise. I have one Milano, early 20th century, and it has a wooden screw-in fitting on the stem; I would call it fragile. Go carefully.

*cleaning the inside of the bowl with alcohol involves securely propping the pipe at an angle, stem removed and the shank opening even with the bowls rim. Fill the bowl 80% with kosher (non-iodized) salt or cotton balls and carefully eyedropper in Everclear, 91% isopropyl alcohol or high proof booze. Don't overfill - one drop of alcohol (out the shank or over the rim) on the outside of your pipe will instantly remove the finish. Let it sit until dry and repeat until salt stops pulling grunge; if salt is very nasty, wait for the pipe to dry, dump it out and start again until the salt stays more/less white and the pipe smells sweet.

EDIT: I think WDC pipes can be dated by patent numbers if you want to get into it. I'd say you got a $10 deal if nothings broken. Pretty wood.
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Last edited by Mister Moo; 03-15-2010 at 02:28 PM.
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