Heart breaker

[Branzig]

Cleaning I can do, restoring something with that kind of abuse is far beyond my skill level.

I think you may be surprised how easy it is. A little sanding, a little prep work, some leather dye and Q-tips...you're off to the races.

There is something off with that stem though...Are they usually vulcinite on these pipes or acrylic?

[Pugsley]

There is something off with that stem though...Are they usually vulcinite on these pipes or acrylic?

To the best of my knowledge, John Bessai used vulcanite exclusively for his stems. His son Herb later sold pipes made in France and England with acrylic stems. Though some of those pipes still had the "John Bessai" stamp, they were produced and sold after he passed away.

[Branzig]

To the best of my knowledge, John Bessai used vulcanite exclusively for his stems. His son Herb later sold pipes made in France and England with acrylic stems. Though some of those pipes still had the "John Bessai" stamp, they were produced and sold after he passed away.

If it is just vulcanite, should be able to sand and buff out with a little elbow grease.

I say if you like the pipe, pull the trigger and get your feet wet in doing some more heavy duty resto work on it