Red Residue While Cleaning Pipes?

[shanez]

I spent some time yesterday cleaning a couple of estate pipes I had received but not used yet. Two of the pipes left a red residue on the (damp) paper towel I was using to wipe out the bowls and came from the rims.

Is this a leftover wax/polishing agent or is stain coming off?

I did also get s similar effect but with a light brown color from one of my regular Savinellis which I thought might have been from tobacco/nicotine but after I saw the other two pipes I'm left wondering.

I usually finish up my pipes after wiping them down with a hand buff from a Decatur Pipe Sheild polishing cloth to give them a nice shine.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

From Red Va.

 

[condorlover1]

Isn't that called Pipe Smegma?

 

[mso489]

That's blood, sweat, and tears, typical in pipe maintenance.