JB 2019 (art) – A Remarkable Group of Pipes. More Questions then Answers

Author: Ruud Stam

Yearbook PKN, Society for Historic Tobacco Pipe Research, 2019

This article describes a small group of unmarked, complete figural clay pipes from an unknown production centre and similar pipes from stray finds in Gouda. The pipes are dated 1880-1900. The complete pipes have certain things in common that might indicate they are from the same manufacturer or from the same production area. One group has a red painted band around the stem and another group has a black band. Another peculiarity is that some of the mouthpieces are cut diagonally while others are cut straight. The provenance of some of these pipes is questionable. Although they first appear to be from France or Belgium it is very well possible that they were made in Gouda in pipe moulds that originated in France or Belgium. Another possibility is that they originate from the Trumm-Bergmans company in Weert.