New Pope Leo XIV
11 maggio 2025
Nowadays, it is not likely to happen: a pipe with the portrait of the pope being issued. In the nineteenth century, things were different. The namesake of the Pope Leo XIV, who has been appointed today, was elected pope in 1878. The increasing popularity of Pope Leo XIII led to the creation of an impressive tobacco pipe featuring his image. Not just any pipe, but a majestic papal portrait bust with a long, slightly curved stem and a comfortable lacquer mouthpiece. It is hard to imagine that anyone would now design a pipe of Pope Leo XIV, who will celebrate his first mass next Sunday.
PermalinkLiberation Day 80 years
5 maggio 2025
Today we commemorate that the Netherlands was liberated eighty years ago, the end of the Second World War. Shortly after the war, Gouda pipe makers produced ceramic pipes to celebrate this freedom, featuring the Dutch Lion breaking its chains. These pipes were sold in large numbers throughout the country at the time. Today, they have become a rare collector's item.
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