James Upshall P Apple Estate Pipe with BRB Replacement Stem

Stems get replaced on estate pipes for all kinds of reasons, usually pertaining to the structural integrity of the mouthpiece.  Buttons get cracked and broken as well as the occasional snapped tenon on a briar that hasn't been disassembled in over half a century.  This James Upshall estate pipe is special because it's the first time we replaced one out of professional pride.  When it arrived in our care the stem had already been replaced and our restorer, Zac cleaned it up like he would any other only to find that the work wasn't anywhere near up to his own personal standards.  So he made a new one, also from acrylic that will never oxidize, and as always we were thrilled with his efforts.  This is what the original looked like:

And this is the replacement:

Note the duckbill shape of the taper and the toolmarks present even after a polish.  There is even a light gap that couldn't be resolved and the fit was far from as snug as it should have been.  There was no slot, only a shallow cut with square corners into the draft which would have allowed the pipe to be smoked, but not as dry and sweet as it could have been.

Now fitted with a brand new stem that is appropriate for the pipes origins in both shape and function, this bit of work won't increase the value of the pipe as it is still a replacement, but it will be a much better smoker and we believe a more attractive member of any display rack.  There is some rim darkening that couldn't be removed and the wide and capacious chamber did have some charring so a sodium silicate coating has been added to ensure this new stem can be enjoyed for several more generations.  Now smooth and open in the draw, this handful of thick walled English wood has a new lease on life and offers a cylindrical chamber for a consistent draw from start to finish.

Length:  6.50 in / 16.51 cm
Height:  2.07 in / 5.27 cm
Width:  1.91 in / 4.87 cm
Chamber Diameter:  .86 in / 2.20 cm
Chamber Depth:  1.80 in / 4.57 cm
Weight:  2.84 oz / 80.6 g

Origin:  England
Stummel Material:  Briar
Stem Material:  Acrylic
Filter:  None

Markings:  P, (JAMES UPSHALL) / TILSHEAD, ENGLAND, MADE BY HAND