Clay Pipes - Stylish Classics for Connoisseurs

Clay pipes are among the oldest known tobacco pipes in the world. Developed in the early 17th century, they still serve as an excellent means for pipe smokers to enjoy their favorite tobacco. In this article, you will learn how the pipe makers – once called "pipe bakers" – crafted clay pipes and what makes a "smoking-through" pipe special. You will also discover which clay pipes we offer at Cigarworld and how to use them safely.

The History of the Clay Pipe

The clay pipe is considered the predecessor of all pipes used for a personalized smoking experience. Its history dates back to the early 17th century. At that time, tobacco, which Columbus had brought to Europe almost 200 years earlier, was discovered as a smoking medium. To enjoy smoking it, people used pipes that were directly made by the pipe bakers: the clay pipe.

Being a pipe baker was recognized as a traditional craft at the time. In Germany, it was especially common in the Westerwald region. However, by the mid-18th century, the clay pipe was replaced by other popular methods of smoking tobacco. Those who were serious about smoking upgraded to meerschaum pipes, porcelain pipes, or wooden pipes. The "common man" continued to use the clay pipe, which was ultimately replaced by the briar pipe at the beginning of the 19th century. However, the clay pipe is still a popular smoking accessory in the Westerwald region today, where it is used as a distinctive feature among other pipe enthusiasts.

The Production of the Clay Pipe

In the original production method, clay was moistened and processed into a malleable mass. The pipe bakers shaped the clay by hand into pipes, drilled holes, pressed pipe heads, and attached stems. The pipes were then dried, glazed, marked with the manufacturer's brand, and fired in a kiln.

Later, the clay was pressed into pre-made molds, dried in them, and fired after manual finishing. By around 1900, clay pipes were increasingly produced semi-automatically, allowing production rates of up to 2000 pipes per hour.

Pipes made from clay by hand or semi-automatically were distinguished by their ornate neck or headpieces in addition to the stem and mouthpiece. A special type of pipe was the clay pipe called the smoking-through pipe. You can recognize it by the fact that the head was decorated with a silica solution. The interesting thing about this decoration is that the silica solution prevents the decorated area from darkening due to heat development during use.

Clay Pipes at Cigarworld

At Cigarworld, we offer the Old German Clay Pipes, crafted in the Westerwald region. With these, you can create your own smoking experience just as it was traditionally done at the beginning of tobacco enjoyment: stylishly in a clay pipe, whose pipe heads were still crafted in the Westerwald until the end of the 19th century.

We have 23 different variants of clay pipes available. Feel free to try them out and let us know which one you like best.

Important Tips for Safe Use

To use a clay pipe safely, follow these five tips:

1. Do not forget to break in a new clay pipe. This will help prevent damage to the pipe head.
2. First, pack the tobacco loosely into the pipe's head. Then, press the rest down with your thumb. When drawing on the pipe, you should feel a slight resistance.
3. Avoid using standard lighters – instead, use a match to light the pipe. Alternatively, you can use a pipe lighter.
4. After a smoking session, do not refill the pipe immediately. Wait until your smoking tool has cooled down. It is recommended to use each pipe only once a day.
5. Before cleaning your pipe, let it cool for about half an hour.