Pipe tools

6 May 2016

A trivial item is the pipe tool, a handy three-in-one instrument, indispensable for the pipe smoker. Over several generations it has been in use, starting as a simple pipe tamper or pipe cleaner. By 1920 the practical instrument was introduced, combining stopper and cleaning devices. The tamper is used during smoking, the pricker and spoon when the pipe is empty for scraping out the bowl and keeping the stem open. Pipe tools exist in varieties, a dozen of which are shown in this chapter. Most common is the mass produced instrument from the Check Republic, of which many millions have been sold. Opposite is a luxurious pen shaped instrument in briar wood, unscrewed showing the tools, where pricker and scraper are combined. Collectors look for these implements and enjoy bringing together the minimal varieties.

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