stephentropy Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Hi all, I own an antique Indian-style (or so it looks to me) brass hookah base that my grandparents had intended to turn into a lamp when they purchased it in the middle east many years ago. I'd like to be able to use it, but I'm unsure as to whether or not a shaft could be found or fitted to work with it. The biggest obstacle seems to be that the hose grommet is built-into the base, and most replacement stems are made for plain glass bases. Also, the base grommet opening has about a 37mm diameter. Here is my base: [img]http://photos-294.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v49/108/116/9212602/n9212602_31802294_8329.jpg[/img] I'm thinking that it should look something like this: [img]http://i21.ebayimg.com/04/i/08/b4/2a/b9_3.JPG[/img] I don't even know where to start. If anyone knows of any custom hookah makers that might be able to craft a stem for this base, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks! -S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Show Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Not much help to you, but i wanted to say that you have a very beautiful piece there! I wish you good luck in getting it up and smoking again! its gorgeous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PersianPride Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Well its actually an old old....... incredibly old school Persian hookah, I've seen them in Iran. Ok my advice is going to suck but if you ever go to Iran you can either buy the stem no problem or go to a workshop and get it made for you. You could try Valli Asr street in Tehran. Or somehow try and contact maybe a store in Iran and get them to send you out something, depends how passionate you are about this. Also to the forum members I know it seems like I think everything is persian :? but the wooden stem is something that is unique to Iran and I have seen the base before in a museum in Tehran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayishere Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 [quote name='No Show']Not much help to you, but i wanted to say that you have a very beautiful piece there! I wish you good luck in getting it up and smoking again! its gorgeous![/quote] I agree, looks to nice. Sorry cant help ya but, nice thing you got there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macho555 Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Wow that things gorgeous. I'd be afraid to smoke out of the thing though, its too good looking XD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[LB] Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Take measurements of the opening and order up a medium or large stem, then custom fit it to your base using electrical tape and grommets. Im not sure where you will find a wooden stem, i know hookahcompany.com sells a complete wooden hookah, but i dont know about a stem itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[LB] Posted November 10, 2006 Share Posted November 10, 2006 that is a gorgeous peace though, i would certainly have a custom hookah maker make a stem for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephentropy Posted November 20, 2006 Author Share Posted November 20, 2006 I've had little luck finding an actual hookah maker online, and since I'm in the US, I don't suppose there are many custom hookah makers around. However, I do know a highly-skilled woodworker that teaches at a woodworking school nearby that I am thinking about contacting. I've drawn up a design for a neck to my base (though considerably shorter than the one on the 50" hookah). It would hardly take any time to turn on a lathe. My #1 choice is East Indian Rosewood ( http://www.woodworkerssource.net/Merchant3...ood_East_Indian) at this point. Does anyone know a typical wood used for hookahs? I've seen "wooden stem," but that's about as descriptive as anyone seems to get. Rather than having the piece of the stem submerged in water to be wood, I'd like to have a metal tube (likely aluminum) connecting the base to the bowl to simplify cleaning. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I was told that wooden stemmed nargilas are actually yemenite, not iranian.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PersianPride Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 QUOTE (benny)I was told that wooden stemmed nargilas are actually yemenite, not iranian.... Hmmm perhaps who ever told you that was whats the word I'm looking for..........full of shit :wink: But I don't know, I have seen these ones with the 1 metre long wooden stems in Tehran in the really classy joints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 i've seen them in israel too.. Doesnt make it israeli either bro. I can post pics of one bein smoked from Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineSolitude Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 if you could get a metal pipe down the entire length of the stem that would be ideal. otherwise the wood will absorb all the flavor from the smoke and i think generally each session would taste the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macho555 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Not only what Sanguine said, but I would imagine that the condensation would eventually make the inside rot a little...which I'm sure NO one would like to smoke. Ew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephentropy Posted November 20, 2006 Author Share Posted November 20, 2006 What diameter tube would be recommended? I'm thinking either 1/2" or 3/4" exterior diameter aluminum tube (about 1.27cm or 1.91cm, respectively). I've done one drawing of the stem so far: I think the length of the stem itself will be around 15-16" (38-40cm), bringing the overall height (with the bowl) to around 30" (76cm). Also, would anyone happen to know where I could get my hands on a brass bowl (like the one in the 2nd picture of the original post)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineSolitude Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 well that bowl is actually for smoking traditional tobacco like jurak. they have a gold colored bowl at hookahcompany im pretty sure. http://www.hookacompany.com/ woot i was right just measure the diameter of the stem of your fav pipe. the real problems gonna be getting a top section for the stem. one that the bowl will fit on and the tray will go on. ive been looking for a hookah like thato nline and there arent many with real wood. i think theyre iranian ghayloon style hookahs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Its more associated with India and Persia, I should think. Yes, you need a wooden tube to fit in there, and put some sort of fitting at the top for a bowl. You only really need a long, thick, wooden tube with the end sanded to a cone shape to accept a head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pavlakos Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 its beautiful man.im not gunna argue where its from, but i DO think u should put some sort of metal tube running through the wood,or at least for the down pipe.awesome though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I looked very carefully at the picture, again...I think I'm gonna vote for Persia...its a little too ornate for Indian tobacco pipes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineSolitude Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 persia=iran no? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonthert Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Persia=Iran, yes. It looks like it could be around 15-25 years old. Thats a complete guess, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineSolitude Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 my guess would be 40-50 years. theres quite alot of tarnish on that bad boy. get some brasso and make her shine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haremmaster Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I actually have a hookah like that in my attic, I tried to smoke it in the past but it smokes like crap, if you want pictues pm me. By the way I know I haven't posted in a while, but I do read the forum regularly and really appreciate all the great information available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now