JB 2025 (art) – A group of early pipes from Zierikzee, 1620-1635

Summary

A find of fifty early clay pipes in the town of Zierikzee appear to (largely) be a local pipe makers waste dump. This is underlined by the fact that all early pipes are unsmoked and most have production defects that would have made them less suitable for sales and use. In addition, a piece of pottery was found with fragments of pipe stems attached to it, stuck to glaze. Half of the pipes are marked with three different marks, a climbing lion with initials II (or possibly HI), TI and II. Two pipes with different marks are clearly manufactured elsewhere. As research about pipe makers in the province of Zeeland is very limited sofar, this find provides new information about local activity, the produce and makers marks used.
In addition, a piece of pottery was found to which fragments of pipe stems were attached, embedded in the glaze. Half of the pipes are marked with three different marks: a climbing lion with the initials II (or possibly HI), TI, and II. Two pipes bearing different marks were clearly produced elsewhere. As research into pipe makers in the province of Zeeland has so far been very limited, this find provides new information on local production, the range of products, and the marks in use.
Because research into pipe makers in the province of Zeeland has so far been very limited, this find provides new insights into local production, the range of products, and the marks used.