Kaolin Pipes
Title
Kaolin Pipes
Description
Prior to the mid-19th century, most clay (kaolin) pipes
were produced in family-run workshops. Makers’
marks on these pipes, typically just a set of initials, often
help establish a date and place for their manufacture.
Some marks were part of the mold, while others were
stamped after the pipe came out of the mold—these
tend to be sharper and more clearly defined. This pipe
bears the maker’s mark of Robert Tippet. There were
three generations of Robert Tippets, all from Bristol,
England (17th–18th century). The question is, which
Robert? The second Robert may have started to
impress RT on the back of the bowl, later adding the
medallion on the side, and the third Robert may have
used the medallion without the RT.
were produced in family-run workshops. Makers’
marks on these pipes, typically just a set of initials, often
help establish a date and place for their manufacture.
Some marks were part of the mold, while others were
stamped after the pipe came out of the mold—these
tend to be sharper and more clearly defined. This pipe
bears the maker’s mark of Robert Tippet. There were
three generations of Robert Tippets, all from Bristol,
England (17th–18th century). The question is, which
Robert? The second Robert may have started to
impress RT on the back of the bowl, later adding the
medallion on the side, and the third Robert may have
used the medallion without the RT.
Creator
Robert Tippet
Date
18th Century
Rights
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Identifier
Sun Tavern Archaeological Collection
Files
Citation
Robert Tippet, “Kaolin Pipes,” Fairfield Photos, accessed April 25, 2024, https://fairfieldmuseum.omeka.net/items/show/1109.
Comments