Posted 12 years ago
gavdib80
(3 items)
i am at a loss...and the more research i do the more i get lost which has never happened before. are they a private collection of genuine antique pipes are they replicas?some are covered in dirt some even rusty.any help or advice would be brilliant.
gavdib80,
These appear to be authentic kaolin pipe bowls. Someone has obviously taken the time to catalog them at some point. Too bad the catalog document wasn't included in the sale! Might have provided clues as to where they were found. The discoloration is typical and relates both to the use of the pipe, i.e., heating, and mineral (iron) staining from being buried in the soil. You should consider having them looked at by an historical archaeologist at your local university, or someone at a historical/natural history museum. Looks like you've got a nice range of styles and makers represented.
thank you for taking the time to post a response..a positive response too.means alot.
These were disposable pipes, so they are often found during privy digs.
T A