Help! Another Mystery Pipe (Non- Briar... Asbestos?)

[Humblepipe]

Gents,

Recently acquired this old soul. Mouthpiece has a circular air-hole (no slot, etc.). That makes this a likely pre-1930s pipe, I think. It is a non-briar pipe, but I am not sure what it is made of... There are no marking, save for the hallmark that looks like "J.A.M.C2" (at least that is what I see). I can't find any info about this old soul. Any ideas?

Grateful,
Humblepipe

 

[Chasing Embers]

They did make asbestos ones.

A Must Have For Any Real Pipe Smoker. :: General Discussion

image url upload

pipesmagazine.com

 

[ashdigger]

The two asbestos pipes I own are both stamped ASBESTOS on the shank. They were proud of that Shit.

 

[Humblepipe]

They did make asbestos ones.

A Must Have For Any Real Pipe Smoker. :: General Discussion

image url upload

pipesmagazine.com

Interesting... very similar looking pipe. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[runscott]

It looks like meerschaum to me. The orific bit is probably pre-1920s. They were factory-coloring meers as early as 1900-10, so it could be natural coloring on top of factory coloring, with a little wear inbetween. Here is your image with higher exposure - looks very meer-like to me. The only other material I know that they made pipes from back then was Redmanol, and your pipe is too mottled.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The two asbestos pipes I own are both stamped ASBESTOS on the shank. They were proud of that Shit.

Isn't it only a hazard when fibrous?

 

[ashdigger]

Isn't it only a hazard when fibrous?

Actually when it’s small particulate. Asbestos dust is a problem.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Actually when it’s small particulate. Asbestos dust is a problem.

So a pipe should technically be okay?

 

[OzPiper]

It looks like meerschaum to me. The orific bit is probably pre-1920s. They were factory-coloring meers as early as 1900-10, so it could be natural coloring on top of factory coloring, with a little wear inbetween. Here is your image with higher exposure - looks very meer-like to me. The only other material I know that they made pipes from back then was Redmanol, and your pipe is too mottled.

View attachment 146587

I'm with @runscott on this.

Pre-coloured meer. Military-stemmed straight Dublin with orific bit. Probably pre-1920s

 

[ashdigger]

So a pipe should technically be okay?

The pipes are fine.

 

[Humblepipe]

I am certain it is not a meerschaum. And, agreed regarding asbestos risks. It is all about sentiments getting in your lungs occurring from small air born particles.

 

[runscott]

I am certain it is not a meerschaum. And, agreed regarding asbestos risks. It is all about sentiments getting in your lungs occurring from small air born particles.

Okay, my next guess was going to be fossilized mammoth turd.

 

[Humblepipe]

Here's another old forum thread regarding asbestos pipes:

Finally, a Pipe That Really Will Kill You! Alert the FDA! PICS! :: General Pipe Smoking Discussion

Found this listed online and did a double take. This pipe is made with clay and asbestos! (Best Quality asbestos though). I have never, ever heard of such a thing, but then, years ago folks didn't know about the dangers of asbestos. Seller dates the pipe to the 1910s, but I'll bet someone here...

pipesmagazine.com

... in case some future information hunter stumbles upon this thread

 

[runscott]

So you've changed your ebay handle?

 

[Humblepipe]

So you've changed your ebay handle?

No... I have 2 accounts. 7charb is an account I use solely for consignments. "Humblepipe" is an account I use for my personal pipes... my own inventory.

 

[jonasclark]

I agree, it's pre-colored meerschaum. I'd LOVE to have an asbestos pipe in my collection. I've seen photos of "calabestos" gourd calabashes with a pressed asbestos bowl.

 

[mso489]

Disclaimer: I am not a medical person and suggest you contact a medical doctor if you have concerns. However:

Here's what I think I know about asbestos. The particulates -- small bits that break off when asbestos is broken, sawed, drilled, mined -- once inhaled, can cause a lung cancer called mesothelioma. This is why older buildings with a asbestos insulation, flooring, ceiling panels, etc., have to have these materials removed at considerable expense. This contamination was an occupational hazard for miners of asbestos and workers in shipyards doing "ship breaking," taking apart ships constructed with a lot of asbestos, for scrap metals and other materials. Some Navy veterans who worked closely with asbestos in engine rooms and such have also had an incidence of this disease.

So an intact tobacco pipe might not present a hazard so long as it is not worn or broken in such a way as to release particulates. It is not without risk, but it may be low risk. Personally, I'd probably avoid it, but you do your own "risk assessment," as with most of life.

I have a pipe made of cocobolo wood, which can be hazardous when sawed or sanded, but mostly not when in solid form. I smoke that in a large rotation and think it is a reasonable risk. Likewise with mountain laurel, although that is a more standard material used to replace briar in the U.S. during WWII when briar was not available.

 

[mikethompson]

Looks quite nice, whatever it is.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Looks quite nice, whatever it is.

That’s what she said…

 

[ashdigger]

This is so fine. So good. I just bought it. I plan to smoke it. At least until I die of some undisclosed ailment.