Advice for cleaning a Bone Treasure?

[kitt]

Hey guys, my dad brought this home and I just had to have it. Now I want to use it but would love to clean it before my puckers touch the tip.
I tried googling but with my slow interent, the first 3 web pages weren't helpfull.
Would any one here know how to clean a bone pipe?
To clean my glass I use warm water rubbing alcohol and salt. One post said boiling it will make it soft?
Any suggestion or tips would be greatly apreciated thnx!

 

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[GMD52]

You are correct that boiling will make it soft, but will dry just as hard " as bone" when cools off. If you don't deform it in any way, will remain in the same shape. Boiling is not only how I clean horns and skulls, but also is very helpful in making and shaping powder horns. The boiling should also sterilize it, and shouldn't need to be done too long. Good luck

 

[BosnMate]

You are correct that boiling will make it soft, but will dry just as hard " as bone" when cools off. If you don't deform it in any way, will remain in the same shape. Boiling is not only how I clean horns and skulls, but also is very helpful in making and shaping powder horns. The boiling should also sterilize it, and shouldn't need to be done too long. Good luck

A friend wanted to soften a cow horn to press it into a flat powder flask. Knowing that his wife wouldn't approve, he waited until she left for work, then put a pot on the kitchen stove and started boiling the horn. Once it was going he went down to his shop and forgot the horn, and it boiled dry. I have never in my life seen anyone in more trouble than when his wife got home to a smoke filled house, reeking of burnt horn. My recommendation is to not boil it very long, and don't go off and leave it boiling.

 

[bigfoot1]

lol bosn.....that sounds like sumpin I would do.

 

[GMD52]

Also, as I do, outside is always a good option

 

[2screwed]

Are you sure it's bone, it looks like Meerschaum to me.