| Archive for Dr. Grabow Pipes "America's One and Only" |
| joshlore |
Dr. Grabow ViscountI'm 100% ignorant about Dr. Grabow pipes, and 75% ignorant about pipes in general, but I just came across my grandfather's old pipe, and I wanted to see what information someone here might be able to give me about it. Note: please forgive my ignorance.So obviously it is a Dr. Grabow. Above that name, on the left side, it says VISCOUNT. Near the base of the black stem, it has a spade, which seems a reddish color, fading to white in the center. On the opposite side of the pipe, it says "imported briar," and below that, it says 'Ajustomatic." Below that is the patent number. PAT.2461905 Being ignorant of pipes, I am only use to stems that push into the briar, and this pipe has a more complicated, metal screw in joint that looks very unfamiliar to me. My question is what can a learned fellow here tell me of this pipe? |
| joshlore |
Since I'm not sure how much information the name Viscount actually tells...I should add that it's a straight stem, mid-dark wood grain briar.
And also, thanks in advance for any info offered. |
| ozark southpaw |
Josh,got a picture of that Viscount? All I can tell you is that Viscounts are one of the better Grabows. Some of the other guys can tell you much more! |
| joshlore |
Sure here's a photo. Apologies for the lighting and quality. I just threw it on the arm of the chair and snapped a shot really quickly.
Click to see full size image |
| steverino |
Pretty pipe, Josh. I don't believe the red on the emblem is original - something apparently got on it somehow. Viscounts have white emblems. Viscounts are high-quality pipes near the top of the Dr. Grabow line, so you should get some good smoking out of that one once it's cleaned up (if needed). Two things about the screw-in joint: 1, if there is a metal "thing" that protrudes beyond the threads into the shank of the pipe (see this link), this is called a "cleaner". Its purpose was to condense tar from the smoke and clean the smoke somewhat, as well as to keep condensation from reaching the smoker. There were also versions that, with a little imagination, could be used to do some cleaning in the bowl. Sometimes the cleaner is missing, as it pulls out of the threaded part. 2, the stem/shank joint is most likely an "Ajustomatic" joint, which means that, if the stem gets out of alignment with the shank, it can be turned by hand to correct the alignment. Just a couple of points of interest. Ted and others can give you more detailed historical info - you may want to peruse some of the older posts on Viscounts - lots of good info - Steve
Oh, sorry - welcome to the site! |
| joshlore |
Thanks for the info. I'm looking around the threads and finding more helpful information.
One thing I'm not certain of is how to clean these pipes. Could someone here give me a little explanation of the best way here? I am assuming that a typical stem cleaner isn't the best way (which is how I clean my other pipes). I could be wrong of course. Here's a photo of mine, just in case there's a special way for this sort of filter. Thanks. 
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| ozark southpaw |
Josh,can't tell from your picture if that stinger is one piece or removable. Either way a pipe cleaner will go through the stinger. I usually feed them in from the button end,but they will go through the slot cut in the stinger. May have to twist and turn the pipe cleaner but it will go. I use Isopropyl alcohol with the pipe cleaners,but you can use your favorite spirits if you want. If stinger is removable it much easier to clean stem,but you risk wearing out the end of the stinger after a while(long while!).Be sure to clean both male and female threads.Cotton swabs work good for that. |
| joshlore |
Thanks. I don't think the stinger in this pipe is removable; it at lest doesn't budge with any solid tug, and I don't want to push it too hard.
I look forward to trying this pipe out once I get back home after the holidays. I guess my final question is, does the stinger really make a significant difference in the quality of the smoke? I'm not doubting it, but I'm still not fully sure of how this works. The pipe certainly feels solid in the hands. |
| steverino |
Josh, for my part, I would say no, it doesn't affect the quality of the smoke. Many people remove these, feeling that this provides a better draw. I don't notice much difference whether it is in or out, so I usually leave them in.
If you get the chance to smoke a Dr. Grabow filter pipe (the paper, or "tampon" filters), I think you will notice some definite difference when using the filters on these. In estate pipes, these would be the "Duke" series pipes, among others. Also, I believe I'm correct in saying that all new production Dr. Grabow pipes can use the paper filter. Be sure to listen to what Ozark Southpaw says - he is a cleaning expert! |
| drbridges |
Josh, try the pipe with and without the metal cleaner. See which way you prefer. The cleaner does reduce the airflow and give a little more resistance to the draw. Your smoking style may favor with or without the cleaner. It does reduce the embers that might enter your mouth with smoking. It doesn't cool or dry the smoke, imho.
If the over-turn ajustomatic stem feature on your pipe doesn't work, don't force it. You might break the stem or the pipe. |
| joshlore |
Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I don't think the piece comes out of the stem of this pipe, so I do believe I'll be smoking with it--which is more than fine with me. It really doesn't seem to have any less airflow than my churchwarden, so I don't feel handicapped with it at all.
The spoon end actually seems to work nice as a little pipe tool when there's nothing else available. The only downside is that none of my pipe cleaners fit into the stem too well. |
| amuzio1961 |
Viscount AdjustmaticSteverino:Thank you for the info.....I have such a pipe and have two questions: a) Where to I find/buy the metal "cleaner" piece? I lost mine.... b) How do I align the stem with the shank? Mine is out of kilter a bit, but I can not figure it out.... Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Antonio |
| ozark southpaw |
Antonio,can't buy new cleaners anywhere that I know of.Some one here may have an extra or you might have to snag one one from another pipe. Does you pipe say "Ajustomatic " on the shank? If so -if it's working right- you should be able to twist the stem clockwise until it lines up.Don't crank on it to hard. If it won't turn try heating with some hot water and while it's hot stick it back in and try again. A little dab of penetrating oil might help also. |
| ted |
Antonio, You might try sticking a couple of dollars in an envelope along with a note asking for a supply of #72B cleaners. Send it to: Rick Wooten, International Pipe and Accessories, P.O.Box 849, Sparta,NC 28675. If the have any left, they will send them. If not....well it's only a couple of dollars.....ted |
| amuzio1961 |
Dr Grabow InformationTed and Ozark:Thank you very much for the information. I will give it a try. Best Regards, Antonio |