Caring for an antique pipe case?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Wolfrott, Mar 6, 2016.

  1. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    So I have a leather and green lined pipe case with pipe (amber), but whoever owned it did a terrible job. The tissue paper it was in was saturated and brown, very oily.

    How should I treat it to A. Remove lingering grease, B. protect it from further damage, C. Clean the inside of grime?

    I've never treated antique leather before, only modern age cow hides and alligator and crocodile skins.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Shangas

    Shangas Underage Antiques Collector and Historian

    Just an idea - would burying/covering the case in talcum-powder/crushed salt/sand eek out the last of the moisture/grease? Which could then just be wiped off later with a damp cloth?
     
  3. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    The lining inside seems to have perished beyond repair.
    Cases are carved from a block of wood, then upholstered in leather.
    A complete reupholstery is required rather than restoration in my view.
    It would be cheaper and easier to just replace it, there are many cases without pipes for sale.

    If you have the time and you prefer a restoration project then you have to source the materials which may be difficult.
    I read somewhere years ago that Turkish Meerschaum pipe cases were made before the pipes, so the pipes were made to fit the cases.
     
    yourturntoloveit likes this.
  4. afantiques

    afantiques Well-Known Member

    If I were buying the pipe, (of which only glimpses were available but it looked interesting) I would not be bothered at all if the case was a bit tatty.

    Could you post a picture of the pipe?

    I'd rather have an untouched case than a 'restored' one.
     
  5. Shangas

    Shangas Underage Antiques Collector and Historian

    The interior lining looks to be felt. That could be easily replaced if you had some adhesive-backed felt. The leather is much trickier. I'd rip it all off and recover it inside and out if that's what you want to do.
     
  6. DragonflyWink

    DragonflyWink Well-Known Member

    I'm with AF here, the case still appears functional and keeping it original would be my choice too, shows honest age and wear, and looks to be original to the pipe (which is very nice, would also like to see a full shot of it), would be nice to have an original case in better condition, but the signs of use, exposed wood and all, tells a story. It actually looks kind of dried-out on my monitor, but people do weird stuff to leather and hard to tell what type of oil was used - please don't use salt, it will gather moisture, seep into the leather and wood, and corrode your hinges, sand won't do much of a job, and talcum will absorb it but would be a pain to clean off. If it's as bad as you say, one of the best oil absorbers is plain clay cat litter (not the scoopable type), or sometimes a clay oil absorber from an auto supply will be a bit finer - just pour some in a box, place the case inside and pour more over and forget about it for a few days. If mine, after it seemed better, would gently wipe with a soft cloth, and look for a 'leather restorer', and use it sparingly. I've used both oil and water based, prefer the water based, but have never dealt with something as oil-soaked as you say (the leather goods I acquire always seem to have the opposite problem).

    On my monitor, the lining appears to be old plush velvet, I would use a relatively soft brush to just clean out the dust and debris - a natural bristle paint brush would probably work, I use a couple of old shaving brushes, one badger, one boar, they've served me well for over twenty-five years...

    If you're wanting perfection, this advice won't give it to you, but if you're just wanting to keep the original case in a bit more respectable condition...

    ~Cheryl
     
  7. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    Thank you very much! I will certainly try the kitty litter, if a cloth and careful dry brush doesn't do the job.

    I don't want or expect perfection, heavens no, just don't want it eroding or worsening :) Handling it lately, its pretty dry and normal, I think the initial tissue wrap must have sucked up all the foul grease.
     
    yourturntoloveit likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Caring antique
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Any tips for antique tortoiseshell caring? Jan 27, 2025
Antique Discussion Various finds in Tokyo antique fairs Dec 11, 2025
Antique Discussion Combs found in Tokyo antique fairs Dec 11, 2025
Antique Discussion Antique typewriter Nov 16, 2025
Antique Discussion Antique sewing machines Nov 16, 2025

Share This Page