When were clay pipes used in Ireland?
Before the introduction of the cigarette to Ireland in 20th century it was common for men and women to smoke clay pipes. The long-stemmed pipes were commonly passed around at wakes and consequently became known as ‘Lord ha’ mercy’ pipes.
When did clay pipes start being used?
History. Tobacco was first brought to England during the Tudor period, and was smoked in a clay pipe. Clay tobacco pipe making began c. 1580-1585, probably in London, and spread across the country, springing up in the main cities and towns and especially those with access to suitable clay.
When were clay pipes used until?
The pipe making industry flourished until the beginning of the 20th century when cigarettes became more popular than pipe smoking. As a result, the commercial production of clay pipes dwindled and ceased in the 1960’s.
How do you date a clay pipe?
Clay pipe bowls can be dated with some certainty according to their shape, size and decoration, and with even more accuracy if they feature a maker’s-mark on the ‘heel’, the protrusion under the bowl. The top pipe bowl above dates from 1640-60 while the one below is a fairly typical decorated one from 1780-1820.
How old are clay pipes?
The history of clay pipes dates to at least the 16th century, with some scholarly sources indicating they were produced in England around 1558, shortly after the introduction of tobacco from North America.
What did the Irish smoke?
The Dúidíns were smoked extensively throughout the country by both men and women and they were an integral part of an Irish wake. As many as a gross or more would be purchased and then filled with a cheap twist tobacco.
When were clay pipes used for plumbing?
4000 BCE
The first known example of when clay pipes were used for plumbing dates back to 4000 BCE in Babylonia. This is often considered the birthplace of urban plumbing. Another ancient example is the city of Ephesus on the west coast of Turkey.
Where did clay pipes come from?
Clay smoking pipes were first used in Britain in the 16th century following the importation of tobacco from the Americas. Early pipes tend to have small bowls as tobacco was relatively expensive at the period. Stems have a larger diameter than with Victorian clay pipes. had a stem nearly a metre in length.
Are old pipes worth anything?
A clean, well-made pipe in good condition nearly always has value, though markets can vary wildly by area. We’ve seen them sell for only $15, while others can go for upwards of $100. Still others, like a rare and pristine Dunhill can sell for thousands.
Why were clay pipes thrown away?
Millions were being produced not only for local use but also for export. The size of the pipe bowl was increased over the decades to keep up with fashion and to allow more tobacco to be consumed. Long pipes allowed a cooler smoke, but also broke more easily and so they were often thrown away on the spot after use.
What is an Irish smoking pipe called?
Duidins
Traditional Irish Clay Pipes Known as, Duidins, they were used in burial rituals where they were smoked and then broken and laid to rest with the departed soul. Although the burning of the village in 1921 ended the mass-production of clay pipes in the area, artisan producers like Ethel Kelly, still produce them today.