Pitchfork, I can't be certain but I would wager it was just made as an experiment or simply just someone having a bit of fun. As you rightly say, it would stink to high heaven if ever lit. Besides, one would need a very fine cut of tobacco to actually fit the bowl. Looking at the pipe now I reckon 8 grains of basmati rice would fill the bowl!
To be quite honest, I'm not really sure why I bought it. The same chap also had an ancient looking cased & gold banded Barling cheroot holder for £20, perhaps I should have bought that instead, after haggling of course :wink:
Regards,
Jay.