Pipe bags and pipe boxes

After deliberation, when the choice for a new pipe has been made, the pipe is packed in a pipe bag and then into a box, both printed with the name and logo of the manufacturer. They are proof of the exclusivity of the purchase. Sometimes there is even a guarantee certificate as a sign of authenticity, or a manual.

However, the function of the pipe pouch is most important when the pipe is in use. It protects the tobacco pipe from scratches from keys and the like that are carried in the same trouser or jacket pocket. This keeps the pipe in good condition, but usually the pipe bag wears out, it often gets crumpled and then is thrown away. The Amsterdam Pipe Museum only keeps them in undamaged condition.

Bags of cloth are the most common, in the fifties often in a tartan. Sometimes wool is used, but beautiful velour-like synthetic materials are available today. With little investment, such a bag gives a posh look to the pipe. Some chic brands supply more luxurious pouches made of genuine leather or suede. The Koninklijke Gubbels or Big Ben factory has even devised a leather pouch with a zipper for the popular Pipo.

We see the pride of the maker in such a simple article as a pipe bag. The manufacturer advertises its product by placing his pipe mark or company name prominently on the bag, often in gold or silver. In addition, there are unexpected exceptions. It's amazing, for example, that Peterson used a simple printed paper bag for his standard pipes for a very long time!

Even more than to the bag attention is paid to the pipe box, the so-called one-piece packaging. The shape number of the pipe is often indicated on the end side, so that the retailer can quickly search the stock. Until 1980, two-piece boxes made of sturdy cardboard were in common use. Nowadays mostly folding boxes are used that take up little space for the retailer to store them. Beautiful cassettes are still being made for the more prestigious pipes, which present the pipe as a real treasure.