Information Request

Often unidentified pipe fragments that are encountered archeologically are not illustrated in the reference literature. Photographs of some of these unidentified specimens will be posted here, hoping that you may have seen or found a similar specimen and know something about its history. Through this information exchange we all will be able to learn the identification of these specimens.

Researchers with unusual distinctive clay pipes or pipe fragments requiring identification are encouraged to send their specimen photographs to post in this column. Those who are able to identify the specimens illustrated here are offered the opportunity to share that information.
(I try to respond to all comments and inquiries within a week; a fair number of my email responses are returned as undelivered due to spam blockers. Please make sure that you are able to receive my response).

Specimen 2005-1:

This specimen appears to show a lady and a fowl (possibly a goose or swan). The bowl is shown above and a portion of the stem below. This specimen was recovered from a fire pit at a ca. 1861 Civil War encampment in Virginia (USA).

If you know anything about when or where this pipe style was produced, or know of other similar specimens that information would be most welcome (email).

Specimens 2003

A number of pipe illustrations were posted in 2003 seeking illustrations of complete specimens of some pipe types for comparative use. I am also seeking information about the age and specific manufacturing origin of these specimens. There were so many specimens that I entered them on a separate page; you can click this link to go to the illustrations. There are a number of photographs, so they take a while to load the first time that you view them.

Any and all assistance in this inquiry is most appreciated!!

Thank you.

Specimen 2002-1:

Erik Kolton (2004) was kind enough to provide the following information about this specimen:

“I am a pipe collector from Banska Bystrica (Slovakia, Europe). I collect pipes from Banska Stiavnica--it is the Town in Slovakia. I think this pipestamp reads:

‘Mathias Rauch/Schemnitz’.

Schemnitz is the German name for Banska Stiavnica.”

The original inqury: This pipe was recovered during excavation of a 19th Century fur trade post in North Dakota. The investigator forwarded photographs for comment hoping someone can identify the pipe maker, specimen age, or any other information about the origin of this pipe. There is a 2-line name stamped on the pipe stem; however, the top line is read with difficulty (due to the script), and the middle of the second line has been worn off. Can you identify this pipe? Your email response is most welcome.
 
Copyright © 2002-2009 ~ J. Byron Sudbury