40. Pipes of Peace?.... No, Legs for Pipes!!

As someone who used to smoke, it is a bit nostalgic for this posting to cover a leg type with which I can empathise… yes there was a time when I used to (tried to -) smoke a pipe.

Since April 2009, I have collected 6 leg shaped pipes each of which includes a good replica of a leg. I have previously covered two of the pipes, the first one being an Opium pipe, and then a small ladies pipe made of Vulcanite.

                             

  

This first pipe functions perfectly. It does look a little unusual in that a rugged looking bowl has been added to the main stem, whereas the other pipes below are more faithful reproductions. Quite somethought has been given to the final result.

As you can see from the second picture, the base has 7 small nails spread out to look like football studs, and also conveniently enables the pipe to be stood up.  With every leg I try and decide whether the leg is modelled on a male or a female smoker and where the leg has toes this is usually straight forward. I also like to identify left or right foot if possible.

In this case, I am guided by 3 small circular engravings on one side which on a boot, I would take to be lace holes. Being on the outside in this case it would be a left foot. HOWEVER, my daughter felt the pattern of the studs suggested a right foot!! And Mary considered that zips and therefore also button holes would be fitted for pulling on the inside (as she does!!).

Until I can discuss the alternative opinions with an experienced antique dealer, the jury can stay out!!

I bought this pipe in 2010 at a Stafford antique fair, and is made of treen with a plastic shaft.

 

The next two pipes are very similar but closer inspection will show they are not a pair. The bowls are slightly different, but both the legs are identical and in my opinion, good representations of an elegant leg. They were bought in Stafford and the NEC in 2019 and 2010 respectively, and cost almost the same.

Both Pipes have Bakelite stems and wooden bowls. The first pipe, with the more bulbous bowl, has STRESH  engraved into the front but I have been unable to find any explanation or meaning for this engraving.   The other pipe has no marks and neither have button holes or similar.

Finally this is the second of my very small ladies pipe, only big enough to hold a cigarette – upright! Bought at Stafford it was dated 1880 and is again made of Vulcanite.

To remind you as I said in May, Vulcanite was first made in 1844, and patented by Charles Goodyear, which name you will recognise with the tyre connections and made of vulcanite.  It is produced from a mixture of different rubbers and gums, fused (or vulcanised) together under high pressure and with the addition of Sulphur in the process.

Same problem or debate on whether this is a left or right leg.!  Looking down the leg, 5 notches on the right suggests where the lace would be fixed, and I still argue that will make it a right leg!!

Nice little group, and they continue to be legs that have stories and backgrounds.