I read somewhere that in the early days, a pipeman on a budget would buy the thickest walled pipe, with the tallest bowl, so that, over the many years, he'd have many chances to ream out the chamber, and perform toppings as needed, withoutout worry to the life of the pipe. Meaning wood would be removed every now and then. You can see this on early estates with super thin walls. Of course today nobody would do this. But back in the day, I think most regarded the pipe more as a utilitarian tool rather than an object of aesthetics as many do today. I imagine a lot of pipemen didn't even bother to clean their pipes, before pipe cleaners came along. Chicken feathers used to be used. Probably some went to the local tobacconist to clean and ream. Probably a lot of pipes just got tossed when cake built up too much.
