4 of 4 Items
4 of 4 Items
Clay pipes were introduced to the "Old World" in the 16th century, along with tobacco from Virginia. Native Americans had been using clay pipes for centuries before then and when European explorers returned from the Americas, this practice was brought back with them.
Smoking tobacco rapidly grew in popularity among European people but was not accepted by the rulers of the time.
One notable story is of King James the first, of England, who disagreed with the practice, and later outlawed it entirely. This resulted in burned crops and arrests throughout the United Kingdom, which angered many in the country at the time.
This was rather lenient compared to other countries, whose citizens were executed for the "crime of smoking."
Never the less, the habit caught on and the simple clay pipe continued to grow in favor until the turn of the 20th Century (Read more about clay pipe history).
Clay pipes will burn hotter than most other pipes. Their popularity has also waned in the present day, with the innovation of meerschaum and briar tobacco pipes. However, they are often used by aficionados because clay pipes do not add flavor to the tobacco during smoking. Clay pipes are also an authentic way to participate in reenactments from The Civil War era and other notable events in American and British History.
Our clay tobacco pipes are the perfect addition to your historical event or just to take you back to a simpler time. If you are looking for a smoking pipe that will allow you to taste the pure flavor of the tobacco you are smoking, a classic clay pipe is a great way to do that. Browse our selection of cast clay pipes below and please reach out to us if you do not see something that you like.