Anyone know about clay pipes?

[vayank54]

I went to where I dug my first US plate this year and dug an eagle I cuff and this broken clay pipe bowl. When I saw it I thought it was a bit bigger than most I had dug but then noticed it looks like it was made over an older broken pipe bowl. I've never seen this before and was wondering in anyone had any ideas. Was this a repair or just a defective bowl?

 

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[Lucas]

Old clays were "hand rolled" by shaping the clay by hand before pressing into the mold. Later pipes were slip cast. I think it is just a blob of clay that did not mix in well.

The unusual thing I see is the stem angle. Like a Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson shape

 

[CRUSADER]

Old clays were "hand rolled" by shaping the clay by hand before pressing into the mold. Later pipes were slip cast. I think it is just a blob of clay that did not mix in well.

The unusual thing I see is the stem angle. Like a Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson shape

agreed, defect.

Its late 1800s. Generally the bigger the bowl the later it is, starting with tiny ones in the 1600s

 

[kuger]

I would bet its pre-1870's

 

[vayank54]

Thanks guys. I dug the pipe while digging around the house foundation. I know the house was built sometime in the 1700's and was gone by the end of the civil war. It's not actually a blob inside as you can see a seam all the way around the inside of the bowl. It actually looks like the bowl was formed around a smaller broken one but I had never seen this before.

 

[timekiller]

Old clays were "hand rolled" by shaping the clay by hand before pressing into the mold. Later pipes were slip cast. I think it is just a blob of clay that did not mix in well.

The unusual thing I see is the stem angle. Like a Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson shape

agreed, defect.

Its late 1800s. Generally the bigger the bowl the later it is, starting with tiny ones in the 1600s

Agreed!

 

[Breezie]

I'm with Lucas, I do think it is strange to have the angular stem. Neat find, Breezie

 

[timekiller]

It would be strange if it was 1700's to have a angular steam like that,but for late 1800's - early 1900's not strange at all as many then were made like that!All early ones the steam comes purdy much off staight from the bowl.
Here is one that is strange for sure has finger nail prints in it. Some me and my dad have found!
Pics 1-2-3 my dads pipes he's found! The big bowl ones in his pic 1-6 we call indian pipes!
Pics 4-5-6 are pieces of pipes I've found!

 

[Breezie]

TK, you have some really interesting finds in your pics. I do have some questions: Are the rounded rocks some type of American Indian artifact? I've found several of those in the E.I. beach area, but didn't keep them because I thought they were some type of round river rock. How can you tell the difference between a river rock that has been rounded by the water and one that is an Indian artifact? Thanks, Breezie

 

[timekiller]

TK, you have some really interesting finds in your pics. I do have some questions: Are the rounded rocks some type of American Indian artifact? I've found several of those in the E.I. beach area, but didn't keep them because I thought they were some type of round river rock. How can you tell the difference between a river rock that has been rounded by the water and one that is an Indian artifact? Thanks, Breezie

Good morning!
Breezie as you may know down here to find a rock of this size is rare it self.Other than beach pebbles that wash up from the ocean. Rocks in are area are not the norm.And have been brought here from someone either Indian,colonial(ballast rock),settler foundation rocks, or modern bulk head rock.I hunt the rivers here where the beach deal is purdy much ruled out.Also I base it on were I find it as in indian shell beds.Shape, wear, looking at the end of them they show that they have been hammered on something somehow.The ones you circled could be debated by some for sure if they are indian but no doubt they have been put here from people of the past and were struck agaist things for sure.I guess I'm saying if it looks strange to me I'll pick it up being were it came from! Others in there beside them are no doubt indian Celt's!
I hope I answered your question!
Take Care,
Pete

 

[Breezie]

Hey Pete,
Yes, that answers my questions; thank you. The one found in the surf at E.I. was very much like the circled one in front of the above pic. When I picked it up, I thought, this is strange, why is a river rock in the ocean? I put it in my apron, then took it out, and threw it back. I wish I had kept it now. I might be headed back your way sometimes around Mem. Day, which is crazy as far as traffic & tourist are concerned, but that's when the beach is loaded with oily people and jewelry. What we need is a good ole Nor'eastener to stir up some goodies. I'm hoping this cool weather holds out.

 

[Lucas]

Those are some nice Indian pipes! That style is SE, and the later reed stem pipes also originate in the SE. They don't show up here till the 1840's.

On the big rocks, look for wear polish on the edges. That makes it a tool, not just a big rock.