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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2021 12:41:56 GMT -5
I don't know if there is someone knowledgeable on the subject of clay pipes in the Patch? It is mentioned in the Sherlock Holmes stories that Holmes smokes an oily, black clay pipe. Now, I read someone mention (on another forum) that black clay pipes did not exist during the Victorian era. This led him to deduct that Conan Doyle couldn't possibly have been a pipe smoker if he would say such a thing that would put him totally out to lunch. So, firstly, I honestly can't confirm or deny the black clay pipe as I am not knowledgeable on this subject. Secondly, from what I've read, he was a pipe smoker. Thirdly, would he have made such a mistake concerning clay pipes when he was notorious for his investigative skills and Holmes was hugely popular - meaning someone would have very certainly called him on it? Anyone has some input/reference/answer to this topic? Thanks!  |
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Post by username on Jul 25, 2021 12:44:42 GMT -5
I just always assumed it was black from Holmes not cleaning it.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Jul 25, 2021 12:49:08 GMT -5
I just always assumed it was black from Holmes not cleaning it. Probably the case...it can get black and oily but mostly at the bowl and on up to the "button" so to speak. |
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Hand of Glory
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Post by Hand of Glory on Jul 25, 2021 12:54:20 GMT -5
I just always assumed it was black from Holmes not cleaning it. This is most likely. Holmes was described as not being very tidy. The man kept his tobacco in a slipper. His hands are also described as being very dirty and stained due to his laboratory work, I’d assume it would give his clay pipe quite a dark patina. |
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Post by fadingdaylight on Jul 25, 2021 13:57:34 GMT -5
Agreed, it was originally a natural clay pipe, but thorough seasoning made it both black, and oily.
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jpberg
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Post by jpberg on Jul 25, 2021 16:06:00 GMT -5
Yup. Smoke a hundred bowls of nasty shag through a white clay and it will be black. No doubt about it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2021 16:17:30 GMT -5
No different than a cob or a meer which will both darken over multiple (lots of) smokes, then.
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Post by urbino on Jul 25, 2021 18:50:20 GMT -5
No different than a cob or a meer which will both darken over multiple (lots of) smokes, then. Other than the wear and tear on your fingerprints. |
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Post by trailboss on Jul 25, 2021 22:28:15 GMT -5
I have never had reason to do so, but I have often heard that a darkened clay pipe will turn back to original white when left in a bed of coals, that is the way they used to clean the pipes.
Considering that Sherlock smoked the dottle, one can surmise that he might not have been fastidious on keeping his pipes clean and the black clay pipe he smoked was a nasty reservoir of carbon and gunk.
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Post by terrapinflyer on Jul 26, 2021 3:39:16 GMT -5
Aye. Tar.
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JimK
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Post by JimK on Jul 26, 2021 9:35:44 GMT -5
I have never had reason to do so, but I have often heard that a darkened clay pipe will turn back to original white when left in a bed of coals, that is the way they used to clean the pipes. I can categorically state as a recovering re-enactor that this is indeed a fact. I have restored many pretty nasty, gurgling, or clogged clay pipes by burning them on the charcoal grill, or the campfire. As a caution, don't do this indoors. It really stinks! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2021 11:33:17 GMT -5
And we, dear fellows, are getting closer to a full, accurate picture of the situation. Thanks all for this valuable input!
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