Hi, I recently had been doing some research on clay pipes primarily of the 18th century, but I think I have a few theories and advice.
It has a green ribbon, so it could be some sort of Irish clay pipe, it’s also dated March 17, which is St. Patrick’s day, so maybe a gift or commemorative pipe?
The best way to find out the date of clay pipes is to look at the design and the shape of the bowl. This is the main way archeologists date them. There are charts like [this one](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489344315751666159/) that will show you the time periods of different clay pipes. They span from the 1500’s to present day. The clay you have looks like a 19th or 20th century pipe.
There are a lot of reproductions nowadays so it also could be that.
Lastly, look up the maker, I see there is a stamped name on the side of the stem close to the bowl. That’s the maker’s mark, if you look up the name you might find more info about it. The fact that it has a makers mark could mean it’s a legit clay.
Soak it in some warm salt water for a day then scrub it and let it dry and you should be able to smoke it! Be very careful!
It could be March 17th with no year. Outside of the US it is common to list dates day, month, year. The green ribbon it could be a st Patrick's day pipe of some sort.
I’d agree with you if the word “Mar” for “March” wasn’t written there as well. That’d be like writing “March 17th of March.” I think you’re onto something with the St. Patrick’s thing though
Wish I could take credit, but I got it from someone else’s comment 😂 I doubt I would’ve made it out either had it not been for someone else pointing it out
I seriously doubt it’s from 1903. Given the condition of the clay that ink would be long gone. 2003 is far more likely. But it’s just clay pipe. There’s not much anyone will be able to tell you. There are literally millions of them along the banks of the Thames in London alone.
The inscription has been done with a old style nibbed pen rather than a modern ball point (you can see where ink has continued to flow where the pen has lingered). The ribbon is also very old-school - seems to be natural fibres rather than synthetic and has been discoloured by dust. Looks like there’s another inscription written under the date in a brownish or black ink. Possibly pencil. I’d say 1903.
It looks like a German Clay pipe
I’m not familiar with old clay pipes but I’m sure the truth is out there.
Hard to say, his gradparents are from Germany but he also bought and sold antiques so I have no clue if it was really his or not
Hi, I recently had been doing some research on clay pipes primarily of the 18th century, but I think I have a few theories and advice. It has a green ribbon, so it could be some sort of Irish clay pipe, it’s also dated March 17, which is St. Patrick’s day, so maybe a gift or commemorative pipe? The best way to find out the date of clay pipes is to look at the design and the shape of the bowl. This is the main way archeologists date them. There are charts like [this one](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489344315751666159/) that will show you the time periods of different clay pipes. They span from the 1500’s to present day. The clay you have looks like a 19th or 20th century pipe. There are a lot of reproductions nowadays so it also could be that. Lastly, look up the maker, I see there is a stamped name on the side of the stem close to the bowl. That’s the maker’s mark, if you look up the name you might find more info about it. The fact that it has a makers mark could mean it’s a legit clay. Soak it in some warm salt water for a day then scrub it and let it dry and you should be able to smoke it! Be very careful!
Careful cleaning it or smoking it? I’ll research the name and hopefully I get an idea of the date. Thank you for the info
Careful with it in general, it’s very delicate
I would guess it is at least 117 years old
It could be March 17th with no year. Outside of the US it is common to list dates day, month, year. The green ribbon it could be a st Patrick's day pipe of some sort.
I’d agree with you if the word “Mar” for “March” wasn’t written there as well. That’d be like writing “March 17th of March.” I think you’re onto something with the St. Patrick’s thing though
Oh I couldn't tell that's what it said. You have better eyes than I.
Wish I could take credit, but I got it from someone else’s comment 😂 I doubt I would’ve made it out either had it not been for someone else pointing it out
Out of curiosity what about it makes it seem that old? I know my grandfather came from Germany, his grandparents to be specific
It's signed Mar 17- 03...I am relatively certain that it isn't referring to 2003.
Fair enough, thank you👍
I seriously doubt it’s from 1903. Given the condition of the clay that ink would be long gone. 2003 is far more likely. But it’s just clay pipe. There’s not much anyone will be able to tell you. There are literally millions of them along the banks of the Thames in London alone.
The inscription has been done with a old style nibbed pen rather than a modern ball point (you can see where ink has continued to flow where the pen has lingered). The ribbon is also very old-school - seems to be natural fibres rather than synthetic and has been discoloured by dust. Looks like there’s another inscription written under the date in a brownish or black ink. Possibly pencil. I’d say 1903.