Smoking Original Clay Pipes

[advanceguard]

Esteemed Group,

I was wondering if it is save to smoke an original clay pipe that needs a reed stem (which I would have to find a recreated one). The bowl looks sound. Are there any potential health risks associated with using period clay pipe bowls>

I eagerly await your learned responses.

[Charles W. Mood]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Sean,
I'm still learning about clay pipes myself, but one thing I would be concerned about is the pipe's finish. Does the pipe have a glazed (shiny) or colored finish? I only ask this because some glazes contain lead. If the finish is dull, then it is probably not glazed. Non glazed pipes are traditionally white, gray, or terra cotta clay in finish. I would personally suggest trying to find one of the pipes made by the now defunct "Camp Floyd Pipes" rather than trying to smoke a 150 year old artifact if you want a clay pipe.

Chuck Mood
LtColMood@aol.com

[advanceguard]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

this is the pipe i'm considering

[john duffer]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Others may have more luck but my experience has generally been that a clay pipe in the field has about a one hour life span before I sit on it, step on it, lose it, etc. No way I'd use an original. Silver lining is that will quickly eliminate the health risk question.

[Charles W. Mood]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Sean,
From what I can tell from your picture, your pipe is not glazed.

I am unfamiliar with the history of your particular pipe, but there is a series of anthropomorphic (figural) pipes that the pre-war Army would be well familiar with. They were imported from Germany and include such figures as George Washington, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Lewis Cass, Philosopher (often mistaken for US Grant), Victorian Lady, Turk, and Franklin Pierce. They have been recovered at numerous sites to include Ft Leavenworth, Ft Kearny, Camp Floyd, and many others. I have a small collection of these pipes myself, and I hope to eventually reproduce them, much like Camp Floyd pipe did many years ago.





Chuck Mood
LtColMood@aol.com

[YankeeTiger]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

I bought an original at MMM. Had it for about 35-45 minutes..picked it up to light it..andddddd it crumbled in my hands.
feels bad man

[advanceguard]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Thank you all for the replies!! It looks like it will not go into the field with me. Maybe I can get a mold made of it and smoke the repros.

Thank you again!!

[Mutt]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Yeah, I'll second third and fourth the idea of NOT taking that bad boy into the field. Just packing the bowl with tobo could crack the thing. I've gone through many repro clay (all clay mostly)ones made from old English molds, which are now, themselves, becoming collectors' items, but are out there.

If you want a nice clay bowl with reed stem contact Mac at Mac's Sutlery. I know his contact info is around these boards some place, try the "search" feature. I've had one from him for about 5 years that smokes great and is fairly "durable" (he says with trepidation and fear of jinxing it). They're simple, terra-cotta red/orange color, with "ribs" or "dots" on the bowl - I have no idea how else to describe it.

Just tow more cents, I know, but might as well throw in!

Best,

[YankeeTiger]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

If you want a nice clay bowl with reed stem contact Mac at Mac's Sutlery. I know his contact info is around these boards some place, try the "search" feature. I've had one from him for about 5 years that smokes great and is fairly "durable" (he says with trepidation and fear of jinxing it). They're simple, terra-cotta red/orange color, with "ribs" or "dots" on the bowl - I have no idea how else to describe it.
Best,

That's who I bought mine from at MMM..and it crumbled within an hour... gave me sad face

[tenfed1861]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Another good place for a clay pipe out of Auckland,New Zealand.All his pipes are based off original trade pipes found at trading posts in Australia during the early-mid 19th Cent.They are simple designs,yet are not the typical "dog-n-pony show" pipes.Though it is shipped from NZ,the price for most is less that $20,including shipping. http://www.tinderbox.co.nz/clay_pipe_store.html

[advanceguard]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

Another good place for a clay pipe out of Auckland,New Zealand.All his pipes are based off original trade pipes found at trading posts in Australia during the early-mid 19th Cent.They are simple designs,yet are not the typical "dog-n-pony show" pipes.Though it is shipped from NZ,the price for most is less that $20,including shipping. http://www.tinderbox.co.nz/clay_pipe_store.html

I like the "Toastie" one....looks pretty good. Have you had experience with ordering and delivery from NZ?

[tenfed1861]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

I love the Pakuranga Toasite.It's a good little smoke.Don't use it daily,but for the impression,it should keep a long time.Mine would last three months,but that's cause I smoke it daily.I believe it is based off an 1830s Scottish trade pipe.Message Richard Lees for for info.It took me about two weeks to get.

[Mutt]

Re: Smoking Original Clay Pipes

That's who I bought mine from at MMM..and it crumbled within an hour... gave me sad face

Aron, sorry to hear! Wonder what happened, maybe a flaw in the clay or mold? Bummer.