Meerschaum Repair?

[Pugsley]

In 2011 I purchased a custom meer directly from Altinok in Turkey. When it arrived I opened the case and did a quick inspection, then returned it to the case. A couple weeks later I decided it was time for a first bowl in my new pipe. It was at this time that I noticed the silver fitting in the end of the shank, (which I'm sure has a name but I'll be damned if I can remember it), was installed at a slight angle causing the stem to kick off slightly to the right. It's bad enough so it it makes it difficult, though not impossible, to run a pipe cleaner to the bowl. So, I checked the Altinok website for return instructions, and they handle defects and damage in the same manner. Pipes have to be returned within 7 days and shipping both ways is paid by the customer, so returning it was out as the 7 day period had long since expired. The pipe, as it is, can be smoked and would probably perform well, though I haven't smoked it yet. But just looking at that crooked stem drives me buggers. Does anyone know, or has anyone had experience with, someone in the USA who repairs meers and might be able to fix this? It's not an inexpensive pipe, and I'd like to get some use out of it

[tmoran]

I have used and recommend Norwood Pipe Repair. I had them switch out a screw-in tenon with a push-pull tenon on a meer. Their price was reasonable, turn-around was fast, and they did very nice work.

[Chris0673]

@Pugsley Could you not sand the shank under the silver piece until it sits straight? Also, pics would help.

[Pugsley]

@Pugsley Could you not sand the shank under the silver piece until it sits straight? Also, pics would help.

It's not something I could fix on my own. It's a silver army mount style with the piece on the shank permanently attached. It doesn't slide over the shank, but seems to be glued into the end of it. I don't have a camera phone and the camera I have sucks at close ups, but I'll try to get some pics up later.

[Haebar]

I used Norwood Pipe repair for one of my meerschaums; they replaced a bone screw arrangement for a push-pull fitting on the stem. I recommend them for meerschaum repair.

[Pugsley]

That's 2 recommendations for Norwood, so I guess I'll give them a shot at it. Do you call them before sending a pipe or just box it up with instructions and drop it in the mail?

[tmoran]

I called them, but it didn't seem like it was required. They didn't need me to send a ticket or workorder # with it or anything. My issue was pretty basic, yours seems like it might be a little more specific. If I were in your shoes, I would call. I'm a weird about that kind of stuff, though.

[Haebar]

I've sent them two batches of pipes in the last 3 months; I have always sent them an email to let them know I was sending them something. Have never called them.

[Haebar]

By the way, Walker Pipe Repair is who referred me to Norwood's for my meerschaum pipe work.

[mooster]

Any idea if they do rewaxing for those of us too klutzy to try such a thing?