Clay pipe bowls can be dated with some certainty according to their shape, size and decoration, and with even more accuracy if they feature a makers-mark on the heel, the protrusion under the bowl. The top pipe bowl above dates from 1640-60 while the one below is a fairly typical decorated one from 1780-1820.

When were clay pipes first used?

The history of clay pipes dates to at least the 16th century, with some scholarly sources indicating they were produced in England around 1558, shortly after the introduction of tobacco from North America.

When were clay pipes used in Scotland?

With Glasgows tobacco trade came the related trades of tobacco spinning, snuff production and clay pipe manufacture, which were established in the city during the 1660s. Although snuff taking became increasingly popular, when tobacco was first introduced to Scotland it was smoked in clay pipes.

How do you clean clay pipe?

To clean a clay pipe, gently wipe out the bowl with a slightly damp rag, or, for deeper cleaning, set it on the very top rack of your oven, as close to the top as possible, and set the oven to “Self-Cleaning” mode. This will eliminate any residue left in the pipe.

Are clay pipes bad?

Clay is also unaffected by acids that are present in wastewater. So in this way, clay can be very durable and last for a very long time. So if too much pressure is applied to a clay sewer pipe or if the ground shifts, it can break can cause a major plumbing issue. Thats just one major disadvantage of clay pipes.

Can you line clay pipes?

Which types of drain is Pipe Lining best for? Pipe lining is ideal for many different types of drain material – whether it be clay, concrete, vitreous china, plastic, polycarbonate, cast iron or pitch fibre.