JB 2019 (art) – French Clay Pipes with Spark Catchers and Lids

Author: Arthur van Esveld

Yearbook PKN, Society for Historic Clay Pipe Research, 2019

Over the centuries, pipes have been fitted with a lid. The main function of this was to prevent glowing tobacco particles from falling out of the pipe while smoking. Most spark catchers are made from braided copper or iron wire. In some European countries we also see the use of beautiful silver lids on porcelain 148 and meerschaum pipes. In the first half of the 19th century the French clay pipe manufacturers responded to these refinements by providing clay pipes with a lid. These were usually made from pipe clay and formed part of the design. These lids were often provided with a small hole. The lid could be attached to the pipe bowl with an iron wire or chain. Examples are given from the companies of Gisclon, Fiolet, Blanc-Garin and Gambier.