This wonderful article was posted on another forum in 2010 and I have decided to put the link here to the 19th century NY Times article for all to enjoy. it actually proves a few things I have written about over the years about the obstructions you find in old meerschaum pipes like coins and buttons. Anyway enjoy!
https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1874/07/27/79077385.pdf
https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1874/07/27/79077385.pdf